Duke’s Sion James (14) celebrates after hitting a three-pointer during the first half of Duke’s game against Arizona in the Sweet 16 round of the 2025 Men’s NCAA Basketball Championship at the Prudential Center in Newark, N.J., Thursday, March 27, 2025. Ethan Hyman [email protected]

The Charlotte Hornets enter the second round of the 2025 NBA draft with the radar buzzing. Not after the typical “best available” gambles, but following a whirlwind first round that included trading Mark Williams for a second time.

The Charlotte Hornets have selected Liam McNeeley with the No. 29 pick in the 2025 NBA draft. McNeeley racked up accolades in his one season at Connecticut, earning Big East Freshman of the Year, third-team All-Big East honors and a spot on the conference's All-Freshman Team.