​The 2026 NBA Summer League in Las Vegas kicked off with a standout performance from several former Huskies, signaling renewed attention on their professional prospects. Liam McNeeley electrified Charlotte’s win over Orlando, pouring in 28 points and converting seven of eight three-point attempts. “I mean, a little nerves early on, and they’re a team (Orlando) that’s got a bit more experience with older guys, if you will, for summer league,” McNeeley explained. “So we just had to get our feet settled into the game and respond to that physicality.”
McNeeley’s trajectory with the Hornets has been gradual since he was taken late in the first round of the 2025 draft. Across 31 games in his rookie season, he averaged 4.3 points per game. With Charlotte now moving on from star guard LaMelo Ball, the door could be opening for McNeeley to carve out a place in the rotation during his sophomore year. His standout Summer League performance this year could be a pivotal factor in earning increased opportunities as he develops.
Among this season’s rookie class, Alex Karaban faced a late start after injuring his right ankle in team practice on July 2, causing him to miss the California Classic. He returned in the subsequent game against the Clippers, finishing scoreless in 24 minutes while recording two rebounds and one assist. The absence of scoring in that appearance was notable, but Karaban’s continued participation signals a path toward ramping up his contributions as he acclimates to the professional level.
Tarris Reed, meanwhile, made a strong impression during the California Classic, continuing a productive stretch from March. The Kodiak Bear opened with a double-double against the Lakers, tallying 12 points on 6-for-10 shooting and pulling down 12 rebounds with one assist. In his second game, Reed maintained that momentum, contributing 14 points and 10 rebounds as he asserted his presence on the boards and inside finish plays.
The event also featured a notable moment of insight from Dan Hurley, who appeared on the broadcast during the Houston vs. Denver game and offered high praise for his center as he watched from courtside. Tristen Newton—a key contributor to Connecticut’s back-to-back National Championship runs—took the floor for Houston with Hurley in attendance. Newton finished the night with 13 points and three steals, delivering an impressive finish on an and-one play as Hurley exclaimed “Gimme that!” when the ball dropped through the basket.
Hurley emphasized Newton’s potential to be a rotational piece, underscoring the allure of Summer League as a proving ground for Huskies seeking NBA minutes. Newton’s standout performance contributed to the broader narrative that several Huskies could leverage Summer League showcases into legitimate NBA opportunities. Newton’s past season with Rio Grande Valley Vipers—Houston’s G League affiliate—earned him All-NBA G League First Team honors for 2025-26 after averaging 25.6 points per game, a feat that adds weight to the optimism surrounding his professional ceiling.
As the Summer League continues, all eyes will be on these Huskies as they navigate the transition from college success to the professional arena. McNeeley’s sharp shooting in Las Vegas, Karaban’s ongoing readiness to contribute despite an ankle setback, Reed’s relentless rebounding presence, and Newton’s potential to impact rotations all contribute to a compelling storyline: 2026 could be the year these former Connecticut standouts turn Summer League momentum into meaningful NBA minutes. If multiple Huskies leverage their performances, the 2026-27 season could feature more of them carving out steady roles on their respective NBA rosters.