Hurley says McNeeley can be one of nation’s top freshmen

[HooperScooper]

“Liam’s offensive game, it’s impressive, it’s not flawless,” Hurley said with a chuckle. “There’s areas where he’s gonna have to improve, but just his readiness for this, the work ethic, the shooting, the ability to get to the rim I think is better than we thought. His defensive end and rebounding, some of the toughness, winning play things we’re gonna have to get squared away because we can’t allow any of the freshmen to make us lose because of that type of stuff. But he’s as ready as any freshman in the country.”

Dan Hurley says UConn’s Liam McNeeley can be one of nation’s top freshmen, and he’ll make it known

Why Dan Hurley says five-star UConn men’s basketball freshman Liam McNeeley will be a fan favorite and help fill the villain role left vacant by Cam Spencer.

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Dan Hurley says UConn’s Liam McNeeley can be one of nation’s top freshmen, and he’ll make it known

 

[MexicoHusky]

love it. Reminds me of JC when discussing Caron. I remember JC being very confident in Caron's skills... of course Caron was like 3 years older than Liam

 

[HooperScooper]

From the Register.

"I think the fans are going to love him," Hurley predicted. "I think he's got some of that fire that Cam brought to the locker room, to the group. I think he's going to bring that nasty villain that opposing fanbases will find him to be. An acceptable villain. Because when he hits his shots, when his team is going to win the game, he's going to let people know. He's going to play with that kind of confidence and flair."

This made me laugh:
When Dan Hurley saw he was getting a phone call from Liam McNeeley at about 4 p.m. on the Fourth of July, he knew it wasn't good news.

"A player calling you at 4 p.m. on July 4th, is not to say, 'Hey, everything's great at home, how are you Coach?' " Hurley noted. "If a coach calls you or a player, it's something bad."

Indeed, McNeeley had sprained his ankle. During a workout, he was quick to point out. Not during a pick-up game or anything like that.

"I told these guys before they left, don't go live at home, don't play in anything live," Hurley said. "The second thing he said was, 'I wasn't playing live, Coach, I got hurt in an individual workout.'"

Hurley seemed a bit miffed when retelling the story on Tuesday.

"Did you step on a cone?," he asked, quizzically.

Why freshman Liam McNeeley will be UConn fan favorite, 'acceptable villain' for opposing fans

Dan Hurley predicts freshman Liam McNeeley will be a UConn men's basketball fan favorite, and an 'acceptable villain' to opposing fans.

www.nhregister.com

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Why freshman Liam McNeeley will be UConn fan favorite, 'acceptable villain' for opposing fans​

 

[Sphinx]

Don't love it so much. His "defensive end and rebounding toughness" which DH says needs to get "squared away" was strongly suspect after his performance in the Jordan Brand Classic, as I noted here at the time. That was just an all-star game, and this is just practice, but it's concerning enough that DH says, "We can't afford any of the freshmen to make us lose because of that type of stuff." Pretty strong words. It's why I suggested that starting line-up projections might well be altered by defensive and rebounding considerations.

 

[HooperScooper]

Don't love it so much. His "defensive end and rebounding toughness" which DH says needs to get "squared away" was strongly suspect after his performance in the Jordan Brand Classic, as I noted here at the time. That was just an all-star game, and this is just practice, but it's concerning enough that DH says, "We can't afford any of the freshmen to make us lose because of that type of stuff." Pretty strong words. It's why I suggested that starting line-up projections might well be altered by defensive and rebounding considerations.

You know what Hurley is doing, right? Don't take everything out of Hurley's mouth so seriously.

 

[Sphinx]

You know what Hurley is doing, right? Don't take everything out of Hurley's mouth so seriously.

You have a point, but I do wonder what projected lineup figures to provide rebounding anywhere near comparable to last year. The Karaban/McNeeley corners are an offensive dream but a defensive question mark.

 

[Gutter King]

Don't love it so much. His "defensive end and rebounding toughness" which DH says needs to get "squared away" was strongly suspect after his performance in the Jordan Brand Classic, as I noted here at the time. That was just an all-star game, and this is just practice, but it's concerning enough that DH says, "We can't afford any of the freshmen to make us lose because of that type of stuff." Pretty strong words. It's why I suggested that starting line-up projections might well be altered by defensive and rebounding considerations.

We look back at it as an absurdity now, but I believe by Castle's own admission he was a mediocre defensive player in HS.

This staff turned California and Hawk into being serviceable (I'd argue underrated) defensively. I think pairing McNeeley's mental approach to the game and fiery attitude we can expect that to be his floor. Fortunately, we have a long way to go until Nov.

 

[Spaceman213J]

You know what Hurley is doing, right? Don't take everything out of Hurley's mouth so seriously.

Plus, we were a little spoiled with getting Castle, who was almost a unicorn on the defensive end for a freshman. Remember how Hurley first became successful as a coach... defense, defense, defense. The offense they've developed is special, but a player who wants PT needs to prove himself capable on the defensive end.

 

[ec33]

Don't love it so much. His "defensive end and rebounding toughness" which DH says needs to get "squared away" was strongly suspect after his performance in the Jordan Brand Classic, as I noted here at the time. That was just an all-star game, and this is just practice, but it's concerning enough that DH says, "We can't afford any of the freshmen to make us lose because of that type of stuff." Pretty strong words. It's why I suggested that starting line-up projections might well be altered by defensive and rebounding considerations.

This time last year DH was talking about Castle's defense being nonexistent.

 

[BigErnMcCracken]

Don't love it so much. His "defensive end and rebounding toughness" which DH says needs to get "squared away" was strongly suspect after his performance in the Jordan Brand Classic, as I noted here at the time. That was just an all-star game, and this is just practice, but it's concerning enough that DH says, "We can't afford any of the freshmen to make us lose because of that type of stuff." Pretty strong words. It's why I suggested that starting line-up projections might well be altered by defensive and rebounding considerations.

 

[LIuconn]

I'm sure the coaches will instill the playing style he needs, or else he'll be on the bench

 

[UConnSwag11]

 

[Kitaman]

I'm pretty sure he saw and admired all of what Cam brought. Lasting legacies come in different ways.

UConn toughness and never backing down is our trademark. Hurley is enhancing this by adding some damn improved weaponry, consequently we annihilated all foes in the Tournament.

 

[MuchoDogYears]

The headband. Good look for Hassan. Bad look for Liam.

That’s all I’ve got.

 

[bigknight3]

This time last year DH was talking about Castle's defense being nonexistent.

Exactly. Hurley's following the blueprint and challenging the player through the media.

Even Castle didn't know he was a defensive stopper until he was pushed to be one.

We thought Joey California couldn't defend a chair and that it would prevent him from getting on the court. He definitely improved during his time here and wasn't considered a liability by the end of the season.

 

[bigknight3]

Probably sprained his ankle going live against an imaginary defender!

 

[Huskyforlife]

That shot is gorgeous. He’s gonna be so good.

 

[Mr. French]

Man…

This team has SO MUCH talent.

 

[superjohn]

The headband. Good look for Hassan. Bad look for Liam.

That’s all I’ve got.

Your post sucks.

That's all I've got.

 

[Mr. French]

Working out with Tyler Relph, Rochester and Bonnie’s legend.

 

[Mr. French]

Castle was my favorite player since prior to him playing…but other than him I haven’t been this excited for a roster of guys in a LONG time.

And we just won 2 titles. So that tells you how I feel about this group.

I can’t decide on a minute to minute basis who I’m most excited about: McNeeley, Mahaney, Ball, Stewart… I just love every dude on this team.