Q&A with IU basketball recruit Liam McNeeley: Why Indiana and pitching Hoosiers to friends

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – Liam McNeeley is a lone wolf — at least for now. A five-star commit ranked No. 15 in the Class of 2024 per 247Sports, is the lone member of the Hoosiers incoming recruiting class so far.

McNeeley, a 6-7, 210-pound small forward, caught up with IndyStar at the Spalding Hoophall Classic fresh off a sold-out contest where his ESPN SCNext Top 25 boys No. 1 Montverde Academy topped No. 7 Prolific Prep, 76-71, at Blake Arena on the campus of Springfield College Sunday evening. McNeeley finished with a team-high 22 points on 8-of-12 shooting, three rebounds and three assists. 

Liam McNeeley commits to IU: Could be first domino in special 2024 class.

Film breakdown: What Liam McNeeley does well, what he can improve on

This interview was edited for clarity. 

Q: You play for the top-ranked high school team in the country with five of the top-50 ranked seniors. What have you learned from being one of many stars?

A: Last year was my first time playing with this amount of talent. There’s just such a different speed and physicality to the game, even every day in practice. It forces you to learn how to play with other great players.

Q: Why Indiana? 

Coach (Mike) Woody (Woodson) was just on me. He was always consistent. (Assistant) coach (Brian) Walsh was always consistent. Coach Woody’s an NBA-style coach, and that’s where I’m trying to go. 

Q: Favorite moment in Bloomington so far?

A: I was there for the game vs. Kennesaw State and got to throw out t-shirts to the crowd. That was really cool. 

Q: Since committing to Indiana in October, how closely have you followed the team?

A: There’re a lot of times where we have games at the same time, but every time I’m able to watch those games. I’m always checking ESPN scores if I don’t get to watch it.

Q: How much do you and your high-profile teammates discuss your recruitments?

A: We’re obviously close friends, like family. We’re brothers, so we let each other in on some stuff, but we don’t tell the world.

More: What we saw from Liam McNeeley, target Derik Queen in Vegas showcase

Q: How do you pitch Indiana to prospective recruits?

A: I’m recruiting one big fella and I think y’all know who it is (Montverde teammate Derik Queen). I use Trayce Jackson-Davis a lot. He’s playing really well in the league.

Q: Have you identified what your college role might be?

A: I’m going to try to be as versatile as I can. Coach Woody said he’s going to trust me with the ball, trust me to make plays, and he’s going to force me to guard. 

Q: What’s your most college ready skill?

A: My versatility. I can play many different positions on the floor. 

Q: What do you want to improve on the most before getting to Indiana? 

A: The biggest thing I’m working on is just on-ball defense and off-ball defense, guarding smaller guards because that’s what I want to do.

Q: Who’s your college or NBA player comp?

A: I watch a lot of Lua Dončić because I’m from Dallas. He’s my favorite player right now.