The roar of Madison Square Garden still echoes from December 2024, when freshman phenom Liam McNeeley dropped 26 points on Gonzaga. That game marked the highest individual scoring performance of the season for Dan Hurley’s team. His fearless drives and clutch threes made him the ‘lottery-level problem solver’ in high-stakes moments. Two months later, McNeeley’s absence has left a gaping 6’7″ hole in UConn’s lineup – until now.

McNeeley, who missed 8 games due to a high ankle sprain suffered on January 1, earned a spot on the Julius Erving Award Midseason Top 10 list (February 5), which honors the nation’s best small forwards. His pre-injury stats are impressive: 13.6 PPG (3rd on the team), 5.8 RPG (2nd).

Coach Dan Hurley called him “a two-way player doing more than any freshman in America” before the injury, with UConn operating at a “top-12 level” when he played.

His impact was undeniable. But with McNeeley out, UConn had to rely on others like Solo Ball, and while the team still fought, a 5-3 record during his absence showed just how much they were missing. Nevertheless, with McNeeley’s return imminent, Hurley is hoping this will be the spark UConn needs to make their push for the postseason.

The timing couldn’t be better now that McNeeley is back. UConn is in the thick of a Big East race, and these few games could decide whether they finish in the top four and get a much needed boost in the NCAA Tournament. The first test? 

Liam McNeeley just in time for Dan Hurley’s big test

A showdown against No. 12 St. John’s is set for Friday. St. John’s is leading the Big East with a 10-1 record and is ranked 12th in the NCAA NET rankings, making this game critical for UConn. And it doesn’t stop here—

UConn will have to play on the road against Creighton on Feb. 12th, a team on a seven-game winning streak, and Providence on March 1st, a tough road test against a scrappy Friars team. These games will represent true tests for the Huskies as they hit the home stretch.

Interestingly, McNeeley’s return isn’t just about what it means for UConn this season. As a projected first-round pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, his performance in these upcoming games could significantly boost his stock.

His impact goes beyond the individual, though. McNeeley’s return provides UConn a chance to make a late season push and provide themselves with a real shot of improving their seeding in the NCAA Tournament. Under the philosophy of ‘no days off’ from coach Dan Hurley, McNeeley’s two way game could be just what UConn needs to finish strong.

The stakes for Dan Hurley are as high as they can possibly be. A top four finish in the Big East is crucial for the Huskies, but the bigger picture is establishing the fact that UConn is still a serious championship contender. When March Madness comes around, UConn seems to be right where they need to be.