2015 NBA Draft: Ranking the Biggest Boom or Bust Prospects
Mar 26, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; UCLA Bruins forward Kevon Looney during practice the day before the semifinals of the south regional of the 2015 NCAA Tournament at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
4. Kevon Looney, UCLA, 6’9″, Freshman
If there’s one word that best describes Kevon Looney, it’s versatile.
Not many big men specialize in defense, three point shooting, and rebounding as a freshman at the collegiate level.
Throw in the fact that he’s got great size and an enormous 7’1″ wingspan, and you have a special prospect that could potentially evolve into a 3 and D type stretch 4.
Unfortunately, there’s also plenty of risk attached as well.
For one, he’s rail thin, weighing in at an underwhelming 220 pounds. He lacks the upper body strength to bang inside with larger players and will likely need to time in the gym to bulk up.
Offensively he’s also pretty raw, as he generates most of his points off lobs, putbacks and the occasional jumper.
He did shoot an impressive 41.5 percent from behind the arc last season, but it’s worth noting he only took 1.5 attempts per game.
All in all, Looney could evolve into a defensive gem and excellent stretch 4. He just needs 2 to 3 years to develop both his frame and low post moves.
Next: Kelly Oubre