Is Liam McNeeley playing? Evaluating UConn star's availability vs Butler (Jan 21)

Liam McNeeley won't be available for Tuesday's matchup against the Butler Bulldogs, with tip-off set for 7 p.m. ET. He is dealing with an ankle injury, last appearing on Jan. 1 for No. 19 UConn's matchup against the DePaul Blue Demons.

McNeeley suffered the injury during the second half of the contest, having collided with DePaul guard Layden Blocker while chasing a loose ball. He injured the ankle on that play, needing to be helped off the court as head coach Dan Hurley confirmed he'll be out until at least the end of January.

"Liam got the high ankle sprain and so it’s gonna be not days but weeks for him, so hopefully if things go the way where I’d imagine to go, maybe you’ll see him at the end of January," Hurley said.

How Liam McNeeley has performed for UConn this season

With Liam McNeeley out until the end of January, his absence leaves a hole in UConn's frontcourt. Dan Hurley even expressed as much regarding the freshman's impact on the team.

"Liam was doing more for his team you know thanlalmost any freshman in the country. I mean what we were asking from him was two-way player, second leading rebounder, a creator with a high usage rate, clutch shot maker, closer in the second half of games. You know he established himself as not only one of the better freshmen, but you know one of the best players in our league," Hurley said.

Before the injury, McNeeley played in 14 games for the Huskies. He was averaging 13.6 pints, 5.8 rebounds and 2.6 assists per contest. He had shooting splits of 42.9% from the field and 37.9% from beyond the arc.

UConn enters the game with a 13-5 overall record, including a 5-2 showing in conference play. They are putting up 80.9 points on 49.5% shooting overall and 36.9% from downtown, as Alex Karaban leads the offense with 15.6 points, 4.9 rebounds and 2.8 assists per contest.

Without Liam McNeeley, the team will need to rely on more production from Tarris Reed Jr., Hassan Diarra, Jaylin Stewart and Aidan Mahaney to make up for his absence. Maintaining a solid form throughout their games in the Big East will be crucial for their chances at a postseason run.

The No. 19 Huskies will next face the Xavier Musketeers at the Cintas Center in Cincinnati, Ohio, on Jan. 25 at 8 p.m. ET.