Liam McNeeley’s injury could be a significant setback for UConn, but it’s still unclear how serious it is. The freshman forward, who’s been a key contributor to the Huskies’ success this season, hurt his right ankle during UConn’s 81-68 win at DePaul on Wednesday after a collision with DePaul’s Layden Blocker.
McNeeley was helped off the court and finished the game with 9 points and 6 rebounds in just over 25 minutes. The MRI scheduled for Thursday will give more clarity on the injury, but UConn coach Dan Hurley remains hopeful it’s just a sprain. The team will need McNeeley to stay healthy, especially with upcoming games against Providence, Villanova, and Georgetown.
Despite the injury, UConn showed its depth, with key 3-pointers from Alex Karaban and Solo Ball to close out the game. Ball’s comment about the team’s “next man up” mentality shows confidence in their ability to adapt and continue performing well without McNeeley if needed.
McNeeley, a highly regarded recruit from Texas, has been averaging 13.6 points and 5.8 rebounds in 14 games, making him an important part of UConn’s rotation. The Huskies will be hoping for a quick recovery to keep their momentum going as they chase another national title.
