With the NCAA basketball season heating up, fans are eager to make comparisons between rising stars and established players. Recently, followers of the Instagram account Courtside Films sparked conversations about UConn freshman Liam McNeeley and his potential NBA comparisons, particularly highlighting names like Klay Thompson and Austin Reaves. Fans on the platform voiced their opinions, igniting discussions about McNeeley's skill set.
One fan commented, "Gordon Hayward for sure! But can shoot," pointing out the versatility of McNeeley’s game, which has drawn parallels to established players. Another fan optimized the conversation by stating, "Austin Reaves! Dude just knows how to ball," reflecting the enthusiasm surrounding McNeeley's talents. The name Klay Thompson also appeared frequently, indicating respect for McNeeley's shooting and defensive abilities.
McNeeley's latest accolades bolster these comparisons, as he was named the Big East Freshman of the Week for the sixth time this season after standout performances against Villanova and St. John’s. He scored 20 points and grabbed seven rebounds against Villanova, contributing significantly from the second half, which he ended up taking over with 16 points. Coach Dan Hurley praised McNeeley's resilience, saying, "He wasn't playing well (vs. Villanova) up to the point where we were down 12 or 14, but then when he turned it up, we won by seven." This shows the pressure he faces as he aims to lead UConn to postseason glory.
UConn’s hopes depend heavily on players like McNeeley maintaining their momentum through the Big East tournament. Hurley has noted McNeeley's ability to perform under pressure, which is no small feat for any college freshman. The team needs this commitment and drive if they want to secure victories and advance their season.
Similarly, UConn awaits the arrival of another rising star, Braylon Mullins, the No. 14 recruit from the 2025 class. Mullins is making headlines back home at Greenfield-Central High School, recently leading his team to victory against Perry Meridian. His performance showcased his prowess on the court, where he notched 24 points, seven rebounds, six assists, and six steals, leading to him becoming the all-time leading scorer with 2,065 career points.
Social media was abuzz with praise following Mullins’ record-setting game, with one user sharing, "Getting Austin Reaves vibe," another illustrious young talent who recently made news due to his ascending reputation. Such comparisons resonate strongly, indicating Mullins' potential and the excitement surrounding his upcoming transition to UConn next season.
UConn fans are already lining up behind Mullins, expressing anticipation for how he will fare when donning the Huskies colors. Enthusiastic comments emerged like, "Gonna be a dawg at Uconn," showcasing the confidence fans have for the new signee, who may light up the scoreboard as he steps onto the collegiate stage.
Reflecting on his commitment to the Huskies, Mullins articulated the fundamental reasons behind his choice, stating, "I chose UConn because of a few reasons. Culture was a big part, it’s all about winning. The playstyle fit me extremely well, and with their play style, I can develop myself as a successful player." This insight grants fans hope not only for Mullins' contributions next season but also for his growth as part of the UConn legacy.
The combination of talent and community support surrounding both McNeeley and Mullins indicates bright futures for UConn basketball. Celebrated for their potential and former high school accolades, both players represent the next wave of collegiate talent eager to leave their mark on the court. UConn looks set to remain competitive, especially with talents like McNeeley and Mullins around, giving fans reason to cheer as the season progresses toward postseason excitement.