Top 3 recruits Dan Hurley's UConn MBB locked in ahead of the 2024-25 season feat. Liam McNeeley

UConn coach Dan Hurley steps into the 2024-25 college basketball season with five new acquisitions to replace the seven players who either declared for the NBA draft, graduated or transferred to other schools.

Two of these newcomers, Michigan's Tarris Reed and Saint Mary's Aidan Mahaney, were brought in through the transfer portal, while the other three were recruited out of high school.

But these incoming freshmen are no ordinary prep players. Classified as four-star and five-star recruits by various sports websites that cover the high school basketball beat, they are expected to immediately make an impact and help the Huskies' bid for a rare three-peat.

The three standout recruits are five-star forward Liam McNeeley, four-star point guard Ahmad Nowell and four-star power forward Isaiah Abraham.

Here's a closer look at these three UConn acquisitions and how they might be utilized this coming season.

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3 top recruits UConn MBB coach Dan Hurley secured in the 2024-2025 season

#3. Isaiah Abraham

Isaiah Abraham helped Paul VI gain a 35-3 record in the 2023-24 season, steering the team to reach No. 1 in the MaxPreps national rankings and secure a final slot in the national high school championship, according to the UConn website.

The consensus top-75 prospect played his first three seasons with Highland School in Warrington, Virginia, and was selected in the VISAA All-State team for three consecutive seasons. The 6-foot-7 Abraham guided the Panthers to a 31-4 record en route to the Division I VISAA Basketball title.

Abraham took part in the AAU circuit where he led Team Takeover to the 17U Nike Peach Jam title.

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#2. Ahmad Nowell

Ahmad Nowell joined UConn with an impressive high school resume, leading Imhotep Charter to three PIAA Class 5A titles in his final three years in high school. The 6-foot point guard is a consensus top-40 prospect who earned Class 5A Player of the Year and First Team All-State Pick in Pennsylvania honors during his senior year.

The 18-year-old, who was named First Team Class 5A All-State in his junior season, competed in the AAU circuit for Team Final. Nowell was a reliable shooter in the EYBL ranks, knocking down 43% of his attempts from the 3-point line and making 78% of his free throws, according to 247 Sports.

Although much is known about his scoring abilities, Nowell is developing himself to become a playmaker for the college basketball season. He showed it off in the EYBL, where he tallied more than five assists per game and only committed two turnovers per contest.

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#1. Liam McNeeley

A consensus top-15 prospect, Liam McNeeley is ranked No. 9 in the ESPN 100 rankings for his class. He was the second McDonald's All-American to accept UConn coach Dan Hurley's offer to play for the Huskies.

McNeeley spent his first two seasons at Pearce High School and John Paul II before transferring to Montverde Academy. He immediately made an impression on the Eagles, leading the team in scoring in his junior season. A year later, McNeeley became a crucial part of the team that went undefeated and won the national title, according to the UConn website.

He was chosen as MVP of the Jordan Brand Classic after scoring 25 points for Team Air and played with Drive Nation on the AAU circuit.

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Who among the three high school recruits will stand out for UConn? Let us know your views in the comments section below.