‘No reason to have disappointment’ about draft position: UConn star

Liam McNeeley was thrilled for his friends and high school teammates, Cooper Flagg, Derik Queen and Asa Newell, who were getting drafted.

But he kept on waiting for his turn. It was past 11 p.m., and the Connecticut star still hadn’t heard his name called.

Then it finally happened.

With the 29th selection in the first round of Wednesday’s NBA draft, the 6-foot-7 wing was off the board.

He was taken by the Suns, but the pick was reportedly dealt to the Hornets.

“I’ve been dreaming of this moment since I was five years old,” McNeeley said shortly after walking across the Barclays Center stage and shaking NBA commissioner Adam Silver’s hand. “This is all I’ve ever wanted, and this is where the work really begins. So just all the memories and people that have helped me get to where I am, that’s where the tears came from.

“It takes so much sacrifice and dedication and passion. I’ve missed out on a lot of hangouts with my friends, a lot of time with my family. But it’s all worth it to me. I love basketball.”

McNeeley enjoyed a standout lone season in college with UConn.

He averaged 14.5 points, 6.0 rebounds and 2.3 assists, helping the Huskies win an NCAA Tournament game for the third straight season.

Liam McNeeley celebrates after being selected with the No. 29 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft on June 25, 2025. AP

He became the fifth Connecticut first-round pick in the past five years.

There were questions about his ability to defend at the next level, along with his 3-point percentage of 31.7.

Ultimately, those issues contributed to the Texan falling to the bottom of the first round.

But McNeeley insisted he wasn’t upset afterward. He was more relieved.

UConn star Liam McNeeley is all smiles after he was drafted. NBAE via Getty Images

“You know, there’s no reason to have disappointment,” McNeeley said. “I just got drafted to play in the NBA.”

McNeeley was one of two Big East players drafted in the first round.

Thomas Sorber of Georgetown was the other.

He was taken 15th by the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder.

Asked which players he was looking forward to facing in the league, McNeeley immediately thought of his former Montverde Academy (Fla.) teammates Flagg, Queen and Newell.

“Getting to play against them is going to be amazing,” he said.