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Will Norman Powell And Kevon Looney Be Taken In The First Round Of The NBA Draft?

By Mike Regalado

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UCLA may be starting the season a little rougher than expected, but that does not mean they are completely void of talent, especially on the offensive end. Two of the most versatile Bruins that have been consistent night-in and night-out are getting a bit of some early love from several NBA mock draft sites as senior Norman Powell and freshman phenom Kevon Looney are both being projected to go in the first round of the 2015 NBA Draft.

Though there are a plethora of mock drafts out there, DraftExpress.com, NBADraft.net and Hoops Hype all have Powell and Looney heading to the NBA by way of the first round. Looney seems to be the one that is the more favorable choice to go first, but that is not the case with every mock draft.

Here is where each of these scouting sites have Powell and Looney selected and by whom:

DraftExpress:

Looney – 10th, Orlando Magic

Powell – 28th, Portland Trailblazers

NBADraft.net:

Looney – 8th, Indiana Pacers

Powell – 22nd, Washington Wizards

Hoops Hype:

Powell – 13th, Minnesota Timberwolves

Looney – 18th, Phoenix Suns

December 3, 2014; Los Angeles, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins forward Kevon Looney (5) controls the ball against the Cal State Fullerton Titans during the second half at Pauley Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Kevon Looney is really making a name for himself, especially as one of the top rebounders in college basketball. He is currently 7th in the country in rebounds per game and is the nation’s only freshman to average a double-double with 13.9 ppg and 10.9 rpg.

Since head coach Steve Alford took over in Westwood, Norman Powell has flourished in the up-temop style of basketball. Since his sophomore year, Powell has steadily increased his scoring production going from 6.1 ppg to 11.4 in his junior year to the team’s second leading scorer this season with 17.2 ppg. Aside from taking on a larger role in this new offense, Powell has also been a bit of a highlight reel.

Fantastic.

Still, there is a lot of season to be played, so these mock drafts should be taken with a grain of salt. The Bruins have a tough road ahead and if they can be successful, it will be because of the production of these to gentlemen. If that is the case, expect both to remain first round projections.

Go Bruins!