Liam McNeeley’s Background and College Career
In the latest 2025 NBA mock drafts, the Miami Heat are projected to select Liam McNeeley, a versatile forward from the University of Connecticut and former high school teammate of top prospect Cooper Flagg, with the 20th overall pick. McNeeley’s combination of size, shooting ability, and basketball IQ makes him an intriguing prospect for the Heat as they look to bolster their roster with young talent.
Liam McNeeley, a 6-foot-7, 210-pound forward from Richardson, Texas, played his freshman season at UConn during the 2024–25 campaign. He led the Huskies in scoring with an average of 14.5 points per game, along with 6.0 rebounds and 2.3 assists. Despite missing eight games due to an ankle injury, McNeeley was named the Big East Freshman of the Year and earned Third-Team All-Big East honors.
McNeeley’s standout performance included a 38-point, 10-rebound game against Creighton, showcasing his scoring prowess and versatility on the court.
Strengths and Areas for Improvement
Strengths:
- Shooting Ability: McNeeley has a smooth shooting stroke, with a free-throw percentage of 86.6%, indicating strong shooting fundamentals.
- Basketball IQ: His understanding of the game allows him to make smart decisions on the court, contributing to team play.
- Versatility: Capable of playing multiple positions, McNeeley’s size and skill set enable him to adapt to various roles as needed.
Areas for Improvement:
- Shooting Consistency: While his free-throw shooting is excellent, McNeeley’s field goal percentage stood at 38.1%, with a three-point percentage of 31.7%, indicating room for improvement in shooting efficiency.
- Defense: At times, McNeeley appeared out of position defensively, suggesting a need for development in this area to adapt to the NBA’s defensive demands.
Fit with the Miami Heat
The Miami Heat have a history of developing versatile players who can contribute on both ends of the floor. McNeeley’s skill set aligns with the Heat’s emphasis on shooting, basketball IQ, and adaptability. His ability to stretch the floor and play multiple positions could provide valuable depth to the Heat’s roster.
Additionally, McNeeley’s experience playing alongside top talent like Cooper Flagg at Montverde Academy demonstrates his capability to integrate into a team-oriented system, a hallmark of the Heat’s culture.
Selecting Liam McNeeley with the 20th pick in the 2025 NBA Draft could be a strategic move for the Miami Heat. His combination of size, shooting ability, and basketball intelligence offers the potential to develop into a valuable contributor within the Heat’s system. While there are areas for improvement, particularly in shooting consistency and defense, the Heat’s developmental program could provide the support McNeeley needs to reach his full potential.
