Top-10 Liam McNeeley chooses the Indiana Hoosiers

October 15, 2023 by Max Feldman

THE LEAD

Liam McNeeley, the 10th overall prospect in 2024, has committed to Mike Woodson and the Hoosiers. The Texas native chose IU over Kansas, Texas and more.

BACKGROUND

McNeeley, a native of Richardson, Texas, originally began his high school career at Pearce (TX) before moving over to John Paul II (TX) as a sophomore. After two strong seasons in Texas, he made the move down to powerhouse Montverde Academy (FL) to play alongside a flurry of future McDonald's All Americans and NBA draft selections. He's starred for both Drive Nation and the Florida Rebels on the EYBL Circuit over the past few years. The vast majority of Big 12 and SEC powers have been involved in his recruitment, but the Hoosiers beat out Kansas in the end for the versatile wing after originally offering in April of 2022 and hosting him on two separate official visits since.

SOUND BITE

In early May, McNeeley told our Travis Graf, "Coach Woodson runs an NBA style and he has an NBA mind, I really like that about him."

WHAT'S NEXT?

The intentions have been clear with the Hoosiers in terms of what level prospect they'll target since Woodson's arrival, and they're in the mix for two other elite 2024's. Derik Queen and Boogie Fland are the prime targets, both of which have officially visited recently. McNeeley's commitment certainly assists in momentum, with Fland specifically inching towards a commitment.

MY TAKE

Ask me to choose one 2024 prospect to step onto an NBA floor tonight and provide positive value, it's Liam McNeeley. There's a maturity to both his skillset and the manner in which he processes the game. As a long-term prospect, there's less projection required with McNeeley. It's easy to see what he can be at the highest level -- a pass, dribble, shoot offensive threat with connective traits and smarts on either end of the floor. The processing ability never lags, and while his tools don't pop defensively, he has all the intangibles and is extremely heady positionally. Between EYBL 16's, his junior year at MVA and his final EYBL campaign, he's shot 42% from three on 4.6 3PA per game. A mega shooter with playmaking ability, toughness and a game that scales seamlessly to the highest level. In terms of the fit, IU looks en route to a schematic overhaul with Trayce Jackon-Davis' graduation. Regardless, McNeeley is a piece that elevates everyone around him -- a notion usually only used with lead guards. The DFW product has shown the ability to toggle through roles and bring value regardless of what he's asked to do. A prime building block for a potentially key recruiting class in Bloomington.

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