Legendary coach Mike Krzyzewski once said, “The game is a game of adjustments.” And for UConn, riddled with injuries, every adjustment feels like a high-stakes chess move. What happens when one of their best pieces—Liam McNeeley—has been missing from the board? After a month-long absence, the Huskies’ freshman forward might finally be ready to return. With No. 15 St. John’s looming, the question remains: Will McNeeley be back in Dan Hurley’s lineup on Friday?

McNeeley who has been dealing with a high ankle sprain that has kept him out since January 1 has also been listed as questionable according to Covers.com, but according to UConn head coach Dan Hurley, his return is on the horizon.

“Liam will be at full strength as long as there are no setbacks,” Hurley said after UConn’s 77-69 win over No. 9 Marquette.

His presence could be a game-changer for the Huskies. Before the injury, McNeeley was averaging 13.6 points and 5.8 rebounds per game, making him the third-leading scorer and second-best rebounder on the team. Without him, UConn has gone 5-3, navigating a tough stretch in Big East play. While they’ve had their moments—most notably the win over Marquette—the absence of McNeeley has forced others to step up.

Solo Ball has done just that. The sophomore forward exploded for 25 points and 10 rebounds against Marquette, leading UConn to one of its most efficient offensive performances of the season, shooting 59.5% from the field and 12-of-19 from three-point range. However, the Huskies also turned the ball over a season-high 25 times, an area where McNeeley’s presence could provide much-needed stability.

Injuries beyond McNeeley: The Huskies’ health concerns

McNeeley isn’t the only player UConn has been missing. Reserve guard Ahmad Nowell has been sidelined for two games with an ankle issue as per covers.com, and Hassan Diarra, another key backcourt player, has been battling through a leg injury.

“We can’t afford to have him hobbling around like that,” Hurley said of Diarra’s condition.

Despite these setbacks, the Huskies have remained competitive. Diarra who is a senior played nearly 25 minutes against Marquette, tallying five points and seven assists while managing his injury. The hope is that a few extra days of rest will allow him to get closer to full strength before UConn faces St. John’s.

“I think we’re going to come into the next game looking a lot healthier,” Hurley said.

If McNeeley is cleared to play, the biggest question will be how he fits into the rotation. Hurley has relied on a starting lineup of Solo Ball, Jaylin Stewart, Hassan Diarra, Alex Karaban, and Samson Johnson. Will McNeeley immediately reclaim his starting spot, or will Hurley ease him back into the lineup off the bench?

One possibility is that McNeeley starts but plays limited minutes as he works his way back into form. Another scenario could see him coming off the bench initially, giving UConn an added scoring threat in the second unit before gradually working him back into a larger role.

UConn’s possible starting lineup

Let’s look at the UConn lineup now.

For now, all eyes are on Friday’s pregame warmups. If McNeeley is moving well, it could mean a much-needed boost for the Huskies. If not, UConn will have to rely on the formula that has kept them afloat—strong performances from Ball, Karaban, and Stewart. Either way, this chess match is far from over.