Indiana Basketball Player Scouting Report: Liam McNeeley

As it was announced on ESPN, 2024 five-star wing Liam McNeeley made the decision to commit to play for Mike Woodson and Indiana basketball. He committed coming off an on-campus visit just this past month. He chose Indiana over Kansas.

It was no secret, McNeeley was at the top of the list when it came to 2024 targets for Indiana basketball. Ever since offering McNeeley back in April of 2022, the Hoosiers remained in hot pursuit the entire time. The interest seemed to be mutual from the start with McNeeley going on two official visits to Indiana, which is a rarity.

McNeeley, a Texas native, comes to Indiana from the Montverde Academy program in Florida, who Mike Woodson and the Indiana basketball coaching staff have obviously built a strong relationship with both Jalen Hood-Schifino and Malik Reneau coming from that prestigious program.

McNeely transferred to Montverde Academy before the start of his junior season. During his junior season, the five-star wing averaged 13.7 points and was second in the NIBC averaging 2.2 made 3s per game.

Playing for Florida Rebels on the Nike EYBL Circuit this summer, McNeeley averaged 16.7 points, 5.1 rebounds and 2.0 assists per game across 17 games. He shot 37 percent from three (30-of-81).

Currently, the 6-foot-6 wing is ranked No. 13 in the 247Sports Composite Rankings. 

The main thing that McNeeley brings to the Indiana basketball program is versatility, especially at the wing position. It has been beat to death about how much Mike Woodson values playmakers at the wing position and McNeeley is the perfect player for that. He also brings an extremely tough mindset and motor. The aggressiveness he plays with on both ends of the floor is something you can’t teach, but luckily, McNeeley has just that.

Offensively, McNeeley’s versatility is where this is really shown. He is the true meaning of a ‘hybrid-forward’ which allows him to play both on and off the ball at a high rate. Realistically, you can play McNeeley in spots 1-3 on the floor without any issue.

His playmaking ability is the high point on this end of the floor. McNeeley is one of the best in the 2024 class at creating both on and off the ball for himself and the guys around him. His playmaking ability translates into him being an elite perimeter shooter, as well.

When is comes to shooting from behind the arc, McNeeley can do just that at a high level. He is also one of the best at attacking the lanes and getting to the free throw line. He takes pride in playing through hard contact and being rewarded at the line.

“They emphasized me being a bigger guard and being versatile. Coming off ball screens or posting up smaller defenders and moving the ball in transition.” McNeeley told HoosierIllustrated.com in the past.

On the defensive end of the floor, McNeeley is a willing defender that you can trust to guard the best player from the backcourt/wing positions. As an on-ball defender, his toughness and active hands make things very difficult for primary ball handler to have rhythm. He is also very disruptive in the passing lanes, as well.

Overall, with the commitment of Liam McNeeley to Indiana, it really shows how serious Mike Woodson was about bringing in the best of the best when it comes to the top prospects in the country. Indiana’s hard work on the McNeeley recruitment paid off with his commitment while also projecting pay off even more once he is on the floor for the Hoosiers.

Indiana basketball got their guy.

“Indiana is obviously a historic basketball state, and the fans in Indiana almost worship basketball,” McNeeley previously told HoosierIllustrated.com. “Love from the fans make me feel wanted.”

Below are extended highlight of Liam McNeeley.

SEE ALSO: Indiana basketball recruiting beginning to click on all cylinders: ‘I wanted to be able to sit at the table with the best players’

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