Five-star small forward prospect Liam McNeeley has reversed his commitment from Indiana, as reported by 247Sports’ Travis Branham.
Hailing from Montverde Academy in Montverde, Florida, McNeeley stands as the No. 15 overall prospect in the Class of 2024, ranked as the fourth small forward nationally and the third-best player in Florida, according to 247Sports composite rankings.
This decision is followed closely after reports surfaced that head coach Mike Woodson will continue leading Indiana for the upcoming 2024-25 season. Speculation regarding Woodson’s tenure arose amid a season that saw Indiana secure a 17-13 record, but Wednesday’s confirmation solidified his return.
McNeeley, recently honored as a Naismith Trophy Boys’ High School All-American, boasts offers from prominent programs such as Kansas, Texas, Alabama, and Arkansas, among others, per 247Sports. ESPN’s Jeff Borzello notes that McNeeley initially chose Indiana over Kansas, with Texas also in consideration before his commitment.
Indiana finds itself without any commitments for the Class of 2024 following McNeeley’s change of heart.
Moreover, the Hoosiers face additional challenges as they bid farewell to departing seniors, with potential further losses to the transfer portal or NBA draft. Notably, Indiana center Kel’el Ware is pegged as a first-round draft pick in Bleacher Report’s 2024 NBA Mock Draft.
Since assuming the role of head coach in 2021, Woodson has guided Indiana to two NCAA Tournament appearances, yet the team has fallen short of advancing past the second round in both instances. According to ESPN’s Joe Lunardi, Indiana is currently not in the projected field for the upcoming NCAA Tournament.
The departure of McNeeley, a prospect regarded as one of Indiana’s most promising recruits by 247Sports, casts a shadow of uncertainty over the Hoosiers as they prepare for the forthcoming season.
