2025 NBA Draft: Liam McNeeley Offensive Scouting Report
On Sunday, Liam McNeeley announced his commitment to Indiana University via his social media.
McNeeley is considered the No. 15 overall recruit in the 2024 high school class according to 247.com. The 6-foot-7 wing is playing alongside three other top-15 recruits at Montverde this season: No. 1 overall player Cooper Flagg, No. 12 overall player Derik Queen, and No. 13 overall Asa Newell. Both Queen and Flagg are projected to announce their commitments by the end of this week, while Newell committed to the University of Georgia yesterday where he'll play alongside Silas Demary Jr -- assuming Demary Jr isn't drafted into the NBA by then.
So, what makes McNeeley so intriguing as a 2025 NBA Draft prospect? Let's dive into his offensive game.
Introduction
McNeeley is a sharpshooting 6-foot-7 wing who converted 45% of his 3-pointers his junior year at Montverde (116 attempts). He also shot 84% from the free throw line on 62 total attempts this past season. Montverde often draws up dribble handoffs (DHOs) for McNeeley to come off of and this is where he's learned to thrive. This includes shooting off of DHOs, creating for others off of them, or just getting a bucket for himself.
Strengths
Catch-&-Shoot Threes
Let's start with the basics. McNeeley is a prolific catch-and-shoot player. He has a quick release and a fluid, singular motion to his form that's consistent from shot to shot. The only concern might be his lack of elevation, but it's unlikely to be a problem due to his quick release and 6-foot-7 height.
Additionally, the future Hoosier has shown the ability to attack closeouts, which is a key complementary skill to when McNeeley is off-ball.
Handoffs
McNeeley is most comfortable working off of dribble handoffs, evident in his ability to shoot, create for others, or create for himself off of them.
Shooting Off of Handoffs
The Indiana commit's ability to shoot off of handoffs is very impressive. He slows down, sets his feet, and squares himself to the basket off of handoffs with ease. Even though he misses in the last clip, it was included to show that his process was still sound and consistent despite the result being a miss.
Being a Threat off of Handoffs
Additionally, the 6-foot-7 wing is more than just a shooting threat off of DHOs. McNeeley has shown that he's capable of being a driver, passer, and off the dribble threat when coming off of handoffs. This puts additional pressure on defenses where rotating defenders can't just play high and force a drive. His driving ability and shooting off of the dribble are potential areas of growth, but the latter has shown tremendous promise.
While McNeeley misses the off-the-dribble attempt in the second clip below, the play shows his sound process. He elevates, is balanced, and releases the shot at its apex. In the last clip, McNeeley does a great job of reading the tagging off-ball defender (Miro Little) to identify Flagg as the open man relocating up to the wing.
Passing/Feel
Another area where McNeeley will provide value is as a smart passer. While he's not quite a "playmaker," he's a savvy offensive player who knows where his teammates are on the court at all times.
Areas of Potential
Movement Shooting
One area of potential that would build off of McNeeley's ability to shoot off of handoffs is his ability to shoot off of movement. In the first clip below, Little recognizes the handoff coming and cuts it off. However, he smartly counters it by moving down the 3-point line where he stops, sets his feet, and uses his quick release to get his fluid jumper up in time.
While McNeeley misses in the second clip, it is again to show his ability to set his feet, get square towards the basket, and attempt the movement shot. Only a junior in high school in both of the clips below, the footwork he displayed is more important than the result of the shot.
Self-Creation
While only shown in small samples, McNeeley has shown flashes of self-creation ability. While he's unlikely to ever be a self-creator in the NBA, the skills he's shown will be useful when attacking closeouts.
Area of Improvement: Finishing
One area that McNeeley could polish is his finishing ability. While he's not a bad finisher, improving his touch around the rim could ensure he can finish plays when attacking closeouts or driving off of handoffs. This was most evident in Montverde's most recent game in the Top Flight Invite Championship.
Role Projection: Off Screen Shooter
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