CBB insider predicts Liam McNeeley’s rise; Could UConn freshman be the next one-and-done lottery star? 

Count Fox Sports college basketball analyst John Fanta among those who believe UConn five-star recruit Liam McNeeley has the potential to be a top lottery pick in the 2025 NBA draft.

Fanta told "One Shining Podcast" host Tate Frazier he expects the 6-foot-7 small forward to have a similar season as former Kentucky guard and Houston Rockets draft pick Reed Sheppard in production. He also noted that in some sessions, McNeeley is the best player on the floor.

“Liam McNeeley is a top five to seven pick in the NBA draft, …I really believe in this kid," Fanta said via SI.com.

Last season, the 6-foot-3 Sheppard played 33 games and averaged 12.5 points, 4.1 rebounds, 4.5 assists and 2.5 steals per contest for the Kentucky Wildcats. The son of former Atlanta Hawks guard Jeff Sheppard was an efficient shooter, making 53.6% of his attempts, including an impressive 52.1% clip from beyond the arc.

Reed Sheppard was subsequently selected No. 3 by Houston in the 2024 NBA draft and is seen as an important piece of the Rockets' future.

McNeeley, on the other hand, is a 2024 McDonald's All-American who once led Montverde Academy in scoring. He helped the Eagles win the Chipotle National in his senior year and scored 25 points in the 2024 Jordan Brand Classic game, winning MVP honors.

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Liam McNeeley receives praise from UConn coach Dan Hurley

John Fanta isn't the only one impressed with Liam McNeeley's performances during practice sessions in Storrs. Two-time defending champion coach Dan Hurley couldn't hide his admiration for McNeeley either, even suggesting that the five-star small forward is built for the pressure of big-time basketball:

“He’s not overwhelmed by any of this,” Hurley said. “He’s built for this.”

UConn had an eventful offseason after winning its second-straight title in April. Aside from acquiring McNeeley, the Huskies landed four-star recruits Ahmad Nowell and Isaiah Abraham and snared quality players in former Saint Mary's star Aidan Mahaney and Michigan center Tarris Reid Jr. from the transfer portal.

Alex Karaban and Hassan Diarra are returning to lead UConn's three-peat bid, as are Jaylin Stewart, Samson Johnson and Solo Ball. The Huskies will first see action in an exhibition game against Rhode Island on Oct. 14 at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville.

They will start their nonconference regular season against Sacred Heart on Nov. 6, followed by games against New Hampshire (Nov. 9) and Le Moyne (Nov. 13).

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How do you think Liam McNeeley will perform under UConn coach Dan Hurley? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.