“The guy is an absolute killer”

The UConn Huskies begin their regular season road trip Wednesday night against Sacred Heart, and many eyes will be on UConn's freshman wing.

The 6-foot-2 Liam McNeeley is one of the highest-rated recruits head coach Dan Hurley has ever brought to UConn, and he has already received rave reviews based on his performances in offseason workouts and during practices over the past few weeks.

Hurley has already described McNeeley as the “best rookie” he has ever brought into the program, and FOX Sports' John Fanta has predicted that McNeeley could go as high as No. 5 in the 2025 NBA Draft.

Hurley added to the hype surrounding McNeeley when the two-time national team coach made his appearance The Pat McAfee Show on Tuesday.

“We have a freshman named Liam McNeeley who is going to be one of the best freshmen in the country, if not the best,” Hurley said. “The guy is an absolute killer.”

McNeeley is expected to play in Wednesday's opener for UConn after struggling with a calf strain in recent weeks.

UConn fans got their first glimpse of McNeeley when the Huskies faced Rhode Island in October. McNeeley finished the exhibition win with 10 points, four rebounds and three assists in 24 minutes.

More NCAA: “UConn sophomores are about to take off like rocket ships,” says Dan Hurley