"If this kid goes anywhere else, he's an idiot": Dan Hurley unveils what he told himself while recruiting UConn star Liam McNeeley

Dan Hurley shared information on the recruitment of UConn star Liam McNeeley in the first episode of the third season of "Marching On," which premiered on the UConn Huskies' YouTube channel on Monday. McNeeley showed his importance to UConn in the game against Baylor, which the team covered in the episode "Finding Our Identity."

Connecticut Huskies head coach Dan Hurley reacts to a play during the first half of their NCAA basketball game against the Butler Bulldogs at Hinkle Fieldhouse. Photo: Imagn

The Huskies had a disastrous showing in the Maui Invitational, losing all their games against unranked teams to finish in eighth place with a 0-3 record. To make matters worse for Hurley, Alex Karaban suffered a concussion late in the game against Dayton and was sidelined for UConn's next two games.

Fortunately for Hurley, McNeeley stepped up in Karaban's absence. He scored 16 points in UConn's 99-45 win over Maryland Eastern Shore and 17 points in the 76-72 victory over then-No. 15 Baylor. Hurley recalled the freshman forward's recruitment process and what was going through his mind as he tried to bring McNeeley to Storrs..

"He’s one of us before he commits here," Hurley said (Timestamp 12:27). "And you’re like if this kid goes anywhere else, he’s an idiot, is what you’re saying to yourself. And you’re also saying, man, we need him badly."

McNeeley helped the Huskies battle back from an early 11-point deficit, shooting 5 of 13 from the field and a perfect 5 of 5 from the free-throw line against the Bears. He made his presence felt on the defensive end, recording three blocks. McNeeley also grabbed eight rebounds.

Liam McNeeley powering the revival of Dan Hurley's UConn Huskies

Dan Hurley and the No. 11 UConn Huskies have bounced back following their atrocious performance in Hawaii, winning six games in a row since returning to the mainland United States. They followed their wins against Maryland Eastern Shore and Baylor with wins over Texas, then-No. 8 Gonzaga, Xavier, and Butler.

Liam McNeeley (#30) celebrates a basket during the NCAA basketball game between the Butler Bulldogs and the University of Connecticut Huskies at Hinkle Fieldhouse on Saturday, Dec. 21, 2024. Photo: Imagn

Liam McNeeley has been a vital cog for the Huskies during that unbeaten run, averaging 16.2 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 3.3 assists. He has scored at least 16 points in four of UConn's last six games, including a 26-point explosion against Gonzaga. McNeeley shot 7 of 13 from the field and knocked down 10 of his 12 free-throw attempts in the Huskies' 77-71 win over the Bulldogs.