UConn fans were on the edge of their seats as freshman sensation Liam McNeeley limped off the court during the Huskies 81-68 win over DePaul. The sight of McNeeley clutching his ankle could have been worrisome for a team on a roll in the Big East Conference. But in a season defined by fortitude and resolve, the Dan Hurley and Huskies may have gotten just a little lucky.

It was a bitter twist to an otherwise stellar game for McNeeley. Freshman 6’7 had already earned his keep with 9 points and 6 rebounds over the course of more than 25 minutes. He’s one of UConn’s most valuable assets this season thanks to his knack for stepping up in high-pressure moments and dynamic play.

McNeeley sustained the injury in the second half during a loose ball scramble, colliding with DePaul guard Layden Blocker. The forward’s immediate exit off the court caused alarm and he had to be helped to the locker room. Excitement was replaced by concern in the arena.

Liam McNeeley, who has done well above and beyond expectations for a freshman. He has averaged 13.6 points and 5.8 rebounds per game. Against Gonzaga earlier in the season he scored a career high 26 points. That performance solidified him as a reliable scorer and rebounder. Losing him for any period could really put UConn’s depth to the test.

Jeff Goodman gave a kind of optimistic outlook on the situation on the Field of 68 After Dark podcast. “Yeah, I mean, I don’t think from what I heard it’s overly serious,” Goodman said. “But as you mentioned, I think he could miss a couple of games here. He’s huge for them… arguably their best player overall. McNeeley has not played like a freshman at all. You know he does everything. He shoots it he moves the ball defensively still got a little ways to go. So on one hand they can afford to to lose him. But as long as it’s only for a week or two it’s not that big a deal.” McNeeley has performed remarkably well this season, including a personal best of 26 points against Gonzaga, and 37.7 % shooting beyond the arc have positioned him as one of the most popular freshmen in the country.

McNeeley’s presence on the court means nothing less than essential. He has averaged 13.6 points and 5.8 rebounds per game and proved indispensable to Dan Hurley’s lineup. Hurley said after the game that McNeeley’s injury is “unlikely to be long term”, but added that more evaluation is required. McNeeley’s potential absence against Providence on Sunday is just another issue for UConn, which has to find ways to keep winning.

Can Dan Hurley with Uconn rise above the challenges?

If McNeeley’s injury results in him being sidelined, UConn’s depth will be tested. Sophomore Jaylin Stewart and freshman Jayden Ross are likely candidates to step up. Stewart, who has the potential, may get more minutes on the floor. Ross is a young forward who can bring energy on the defensive end and positional flexibility.

The contributions of the UConn roster have certainly been felt. With an overall record of 11-3 and a record of 3-0 in Big East play. Having returned from Maui and won seven straight since, the Huskies have shown resilience. The team is able to rise to the occasion like players like Solo Ball did in his breakout performance against DePaul.

But there are still challenges. UConn faces Providence and the schedule kicks into high gear as Villanova and Georgetown await. If McNeeley’s absence is longer than a game or two. The Huskies will need to maintain their strong start in conference play, while also maintaining cohesion and finding adaptability. Of course, MRI results will give clarity. But it will be Hurley’s ‘next man up’ mentality that is key to seeing this key period through.