Indiana basketball signee Liam McNeeley named to Naismith Midseason Player of Year watch list

The Naismith Award High School Player of the Year watch list was officially released on Thursday afternoon, naming 25 candidates from around the country — including one Indiana basketball signee.

Indiana’s Liam McNeeley was among the players selected. The Montverde (Fla.) Academy wing is having a terrific senior season, averaging 13.3 points, 3.5 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game this season. In five NIBC league games he’s averaging 13.8 points and shooting 55.6 percent (15-of-27) on 3s. He ranks second in made 3s in the league and third in percentage.

The 6-foot-7 wing is also coming off MVP honors over the weekend at the Hoophall Classic for his 22-point performance as Montverde took down Prolific Prep in one of the most talented games in any event this season. It included over a dozen ranked players across three different class, including the No. 1 overall players in the 2024, 2025 and 2026 classes.

“The biggest story for Montverde, though, was the play of McNeeley,” 247Sports National Basketball Director Eric Bossi wrote. “Headed to Indiana, the 6-foot-7 forward was rock solid on both ends of the floor. He showcased his ability to be a sniper from deep making 4-5 three-pointers. However, it was the spirit he played with and some strong drives to the rim that really stood out. This is a kid who is skilled and does whatever asked and it’s quite clear that his teammates love playing with him.”

McNeeley is the fourth five-star prospect to commit to Indiana under Mike Woodson. He is the second-highest prospect to commit to Indiana since 2018.

“He does all the necessary things on and off the floor but I just like the fact that he competes. He likes to compete. He can shoot the ball. He can pass the ball. He handles the basketball. There’s a lot of quality things that he does on the floor and we’re fortunate enough to get him,” Woodson said this fall. ” … I’ll put it this way, I think he’s college ready from a physical standpoint.”

He chose Indiana over Kansas, which were his final two programs. He also had offers from Texas, Michigan, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Alabama and nearly two dozen other programs.

McNeeley looks to be the 34th total McDonald’s All-American to play for the Indiana basketball program. Currently, Kel’el Ware and Mackenzie Mgbako are the two players on the roster with the honor. It’s the first time since 2016 that Indiana has multiple McDonald All-American’s on the same roster.

Current Indiana basketball target Derik Queen — a teammate of McNeeley’s — is also on the midseason watch list.

The full list is below:

SEE ALSO: Indiana basketball signee Liam McNeeley named McDonald’s All-American Game nominee

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