UCLA Basketball: Is Kevon Looney Heading To The Washington Wizards?
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So far it looks like former UCLA basketball forward Kevon Looney has a lot of possible landing spots in the upcoming NBA Draft, but his path to the pros may be a yellow brick road straight to Washington. I had recently talked to Fansided’s Washington site, Wiz Of Awes and gave them insight into Looney.
After talking to Wiz of Awes Editor Ben Mehic, I did some research of my own into the Looney’s perceived draft stock and it seemed that most critics also see him going to DC.
Here is a sample of some mock drafts I came across:
Bleacher Report: #14, Oklahoma City Thunder
CBS Sports: #12, Utah Jazz; #14, Oklahoma City Thunder; #17, Milwaukee Bucks
Draft Express: #19 Washington Wizards
Fox Sports: #16, Boston Celtics
NBADraft.net: #19, Washington Wizards
NBC/Rotoworld: #20, Toronto Raptors
Sports Illustrated: #11, Indiana Pacers
USA Today: #19, Washington Wizards
Yahoo Sports: #19, Washington Wizards
Nov 27, 2014; Paradise Island, BAHAMAS; UCLA Bruins forward Kevon Looney (5) grabs a rebound in front of North Carolina Tar Heels forward Brice Johnson (11) during the game at Imperial Arena at Atlantis Resort. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
The good news for Looney, he seems to be a lock for a 1st round selection. Not a lottery pick, but definitely somewhere between #11 and #20. Though it would be great for Looney to go as high as 11th, the reality is he could be bound for a selection in the late teens. Not because some perceive him as a less talented as those selected before him, but because of specific team needs.
Looney also has been interviewed by the Wizards, in addition to 15 other teams, so the parties know about the other’s interest level.
If the Wizards and Looney are paired up, Washington would get a big man that can shoot from the outside and rebound down low. Looney has an incredible skill set for a player of his size and just could be what the Washington Wizards are looking for. Though they could be without Paul Pierce, Washington would look to select someone like Looney because of his ability to play fast and develop a good transition game.
Still, we will see when the NBA Draft takes place on June 25, 2015.