UConn Huskies Prepare for March Madness Showdown

RALEIGH, N.C. — The UConn Huskies are brimming with excitement as they prepare for their first-round game against No. 9 seed Oklahoma in the NCAA Tournament. The energy was palpable during an open practice session at the Lenovo Center on Thursday, where freshman Liam McNeeley shone, effortlessly sinking three-pointers while his teammates cheered him on.

“Freshman of the Year!” shouted fellow teammate Alex Karaban as McNeeley faded into the corner, nailing another shot. Karaban, now the team captain, is taking on a leadership role to ensure the younger players maintain a positive atmosphere.

At just 19 years old, McNeeley, a native of Richardson, Texas, expressed his awe at being part of March Madness. “It’s a blessing,” he said. “I’ve always watched Selection Sunday, and knowing they were about to call the team I’m on was pretty surreal. It was actually pretty stressful because I know a lot of people in this tournament too.”

The Huskies arrived in Raleigh on Wednesday night, and the excitement is just beginning for McNeeley, who may face off against former Montverde Academy teammates Robert Wright III and Cooper Flagg if the tournament progresses favorably. McNeeley reflected on this unique experience, saying, “I’m just so happy to see everybody doing so well right now.”

Having struggled toward the end of the regular season, where he shot just 15-for-52 from the field in UConn’s last four games, McNeeley is looking to regain his rhythm. “I think my confidence is at an all-time high,” he said, adding that the team feels an abundance of excitement heading into this tournament.

This NCAA Tournament is not just significant for McNeeley. Freshmen Tarris Reed Jr., Ahmad Nowell, and Isaiah Abraham will also be competing in their first tournament. For sophomores like Solo Ball, Jaylin Stewart, and Jayden Ross, this opportunity comes with the pressure of stepping up in pivotal roles.

“I’m never not confident in myself,” Stewart said, highlighting the recent surge in the team’s bench production. Meanwhile, Ball, who saw limited playtime during last year’s championship run, expressed eagerness to make an impact. “I’m super excited to just go into the game and have an opportunity to play and show what I can do,” he stated.

In an interesting twist, Mississippi State‘s Chris Jans, who previously led New Mexico State to a win over UConn in 2022, is also coaching in Raleigh during this tournament. The Athletes will also have to contend with former Fairfield guard Brycen Goodine, who transferred to Oklahoma for his sixth season and will be a vital player in Friday’s game.

Despite the pressure, Reed, a Michigan transfer, conveyed gratitude for the experience. “I told the guys it’s pretty cool to be here surrounded by players like AK, Hassan Diarra, and Sammy Johnson, who literally won it twice, back-to-back,” he said. The entire team is now ready to face the postseason challenge.