Heat Draft High School Teammate of Cooper Flagg in Latest NBA Mock Draft

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Sadik Hossain | Last updated May 8, 2025 8:45 AM ET

The Miami Heat could add a familiar name to their roster, not for fans, but for basketball phenom Cooper Flagg. In Bleacher Report’s latest mock draft, the Heat are projected to select UConn Huskies forward Liam McNeeley at No. 20, reigniting ties to Flagg, his former high school teammate.

McNeeley, a five-star recruit and top-10 prospect in ESPN’s 2024 class, averaged 14.5 points, six rebounds, and 2.3 assists in his freshman season. His skill set, spot-up shooting, off-screen scoring, and transition play address Miami’s search for consistency behind forwards Jaime Jaquez Jr. and Nikola Jovic, whose inconsistent performances have raised concerns.

But scouts temper expectations. Drawing comparisons to Sacramento Kings’ Keegan Murray, McNeeley is seen as a rotational piece rather than a franchise cornerstone. A 43.9 percent two-point shooting clip and limited defensive mobility underscore questions about his immediate impact.

His pull-up game and athleticism need refinement, hurdles that could land him with the Sioux Falls Skyforce, Miami’s G-League affiliate, for development.

The Heat’s strategy hinges on patience. McNeeley’s high-pressure NCAA tournament experience and adaptability align with Miami’s “culture-first” ethos. Yet his trajectory mirrors a league-wide trend: betting on raw tools over polished readiness.

For Miami, the pick is a low-risk, high-reward gamble. McNeeley’s offensive versatility offers upside, but his success depends on sharpening weaknesses, a challenge the Heat’s developmental system has embraced before.

As draft night looms, the spotlight narrows on McNeeley, a prospect carrying the weight of potential and the invisible shadow of a storied teammate.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: