Why This Former UConn Small Forward Has Been a Standout for the Hornets Summer League Team
From the moment he stepped onto the court for his Summer League debut, Liam McNeely performed just as well as any player on the court. The 29th overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft displayed his ability for the three-ball and used his size and strength in the paint to grab rebounds and score within the mid-range. In his first two games, he had back-to-back double-digit games, including a 22-point, 12-rebound, and six-assist game in his Summer League debut. The star of the Hornets draft this year is Kon Kneuppel, but McNeely could prove to be a key factor off the bench to help the Hornets take that necessary next step.
The Hornets are currently undefeated in the Summer League. In their first three games, the team has dealt with a bit of adversity, but that has only brought them together. The former UConn forward has helped the team squeeze out wins against the Jazz and the 76ers. He did not play in the team's third game against the Mavericks due to an Achilles injury, though. When he did play, McNeely proved that his outside shot can be a threat to opposing teams, while in college, his outside shot was inconsistent. This has surprised many people, including the college basketball analysts who covered him during his freshman season in Storrs. McNeely shot 50 percent from three-point range in his first game against the Jazz and made three more three-pointers against the 76ers. His three-point shot is improving, and it is evident that McNeely has been working on that shot in particular to get better.
McNeely also displays confidence and composure as a rookie. The six-foot-seven forward plays with a relaxed yet aggressive mindset. He can crash the boards and score at will in the paint. As the game against the Jazz and the 76ers came down to the wire, McNeely’s presence was prominent in grabbing rebounds for second-chance opportunities to escape with two good wins in Las Vegas. McNeely has been impressive so far in the Summer League, and he is building momentum that he can take into training camp, where he looks to earn an opportunity to make the Hornets' 2025 roster.
