2015 NBA Draft Profile: Kevon Looney

The NCAA Basketball season may be in full swing, but it is never too early to look at the top prospects for the upcoming 2015 NBA Draft. Here is a look at UCLA Bruins forward Kevon Looney.

Jan 8, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins forward Kevon Looney (5)makes a basket in the first half of the game against the Stanford Cardinal at Pauley Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

Name: Kevon Looney

School: UCLA

Position: Power Forward

Height: 6’9

Weight: 220 pounds

Synopsis: Hidden underneath the hoopla and fanfare of Stanley Johnson, Jahlil Okafor and the monster crop of freshman that the Kentucky Wildcats brought in this season, there is Kevon Looney, the five-star recruit who has quietly gone below the radar and is having one of the better seasons in the Pac-12.

So far this season, Looney has been a stat sheet filler, averaging 12.7 points, 10 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 1.3 steals, and 1.1 blocks a game. His numbers may not be eye-popping like the aforementioned Johnson or Okafor, but his versatility and refreshingly unselfish play has NBA teams lining up to see how his game might evolve and transform at the professional level.

The Eye Test: Looney stands at a gangly 6’9, 220 pounds, which would not really be all that awkward until you factor in his massive 7’5 wingspan that begs fans wonder if he sweats gelled corn syrup and not water. His length has NBA scouts drooling over his potential as a perimeter defender and rebounder.

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Though he is a bit wiry now, scouts have little fear that he will fill out due to his solid frame with wide shoulders that his body should catch up to with time and training. But as of now, there are questions if Looney can withstand the 82+ game beating he may receive in NBA.

Strengths: Looney’s greatest strength comes in doing the little things well. His incredible motor paired with his Inspector Gadget-like arms make him a nightmare for players to box out on offense glass.

Though he does not have incredible strength or otherworldly leaping ability, he is still managing to lead the Pac-12 conference in offensive rebounding (sixth in the nation) mainly on the energy he brings, which results in getting UCLA extra possessions or easy put-back opportunities for himself. Watching UCLA games, even the untrained eye can recognize Looney will never cease to battle for position to get a rebound.

The determination he brings to rebounding is also present in his defensive competitiveness. His length allows him to guard multiple positions and Looney’s lateral movement is extremely smooth for a player of his size. He also plays passing lanes well and has decent timing to block shots; not that he really needs it with his lanky frame.

Looney never gives up on plays and can be depended upon to do the dirty work even when his offensive game is not on track. That kind of unselfish play is a real asset on any NBA team.

Weaknesses: Though Looney’s work on the defensive end is impressively polished, his work on the offensive end could use some improvement. Mechanically, his jump shot nearly flat-footed and has a slow release, resulting in a 46.2 percent conversion rate from the field and he has very little in terms of a post-up game. He can make an open spot-up three-pointer, but a majority of his baskets are inside getting easy looks off of offensive rebounds or dribble penetration.

UCLA Bruins /

UCLA Bruins

In terms of ball handling, watching him move with the ball is awkward and it appears that he is still adjusting to his body that has not stopped growing. He looks very hesitant to penetrate the lane when receives the ball in the triple threat position and is more than likely to pass out of the situation in order to get in a more advantageous spot to rebound.

Looney is not the most explosive forward so being a small forward in the NBA would be difficult offensively if he does not have serviceable dribbling ability. If he is put on the floor as a power forward, his lack of a post game or consistent jump shot will limit him on the offensive end for he can neither be depended on to score on the inside without help nor stretch the floor.

Projected Draft Position: Though he is raw offensively, his energy, defensive ability, and willingness to do the little things on the court have many scouts excited for his potential. Looney will be gone in the first 10 picks.

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