The NBA has seen its fair share of talented big men, but few have made as significant an impact as Kevon Looney. From his early days as a young prospect to his current status as a key contributor to the Golden State Warriors, Looney's career has been marked by growth, resilience, and a determination to succeed.
Early Life and High School Career
Born on February 6, 1996, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Looney grew up in a family that valued education and hard work. His parents, Victoria and Douglas Looney, instilled in him a strong sense of discipline and a passion for sports. Looney's love for basketball began at a young age, and he quickly emerged as one of the top prospects in the country.
During his high school years, Looney played for Alexander Hamilton High School in Milwaukee, where he averaged 25.4 points, 12.4 rebounds, and 7.0 blocks per game as a senior. His impressive performance earned him numerous accolades, including being named a McDonald's All-American and a USA Today All-USA second-team selection.
College Career
After graduating from high school, Looney committed to play for the UCLA Bruins. During his freshman year, he started all 36 games, averaging 11.6 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks per game. Looney's impressive performance earned him a spot on the Pac-12 All-Freshman Team.
Despite being projected as a top-10 pick in the 2015 NBA draft, Looney decided to forgo his remaining two years of eligibility and enter the draft.
NBA Career
The Golden State Warriors selected Looney with the 30th overall pick in the 2015 NBA draft. As a rookie, Looney played limited minutes, averaging 4.2 points and 2.5 rebounds per game. However, he quickly became a valuable contributor to the Warriors' bench, earning praise from coaches and teammates alike.
During the 2016-2017 season, Looney saw increased playing time, averaging 6.3 points and 3.3 rebounds per game. He also became a key factor in the Warriors' playoff run, providing defensive versatility and rebounding prowess off the bench.
Over the years, Looney has continued to grow and develop as a player, becoming an integral part of the Warriors' rotation. In 2020, he signed a three-year, $14.5 million contract extension with the Warriors, solidifying his status as a core contributor to the team.
Game Log and Career Stats
Here is a breakdown of Looney's game log and career stats:
- Games: 444
- Minutes: 1,434
- Points: 1,433 (3.2 ppg)
- Rebounds: 2,413 (5.4 rpg)
- Blocks: 245 (0.5 bpg)
- FG%: 52.4%
- 3PT%: 10.3%
Notable Performances
- Career-high 23 points against the Los Angeles Lakers on January 21, 2020
- Career-high 16 rebounds against the Utah Jazz on December 19, 2019
- Career-high 5 blocks against the Denver Nuggets on April 9, 2019
Awards and Accolades
Throughout his career, Looney has received numerous awards and accolades, including:
- NBA champion (2017, 2018)
- NBA All-Rookie Second Team (2016)
- Pac-12 All-Freshman Team (2015)
Conclusion
Kevon Looney's journey from a young prospect to a key contributor to the Golden State Warriors is a testament to his hard work, dedication, and perseverance. As he continues to grow and develop as a player, Looney remains an integral part of the Warriors' rotation, providing defensive versatility and rebounding prowess off the bench.
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What was Kevon Looney's draft position?
+Kevon Looney was selected by the Golden State Warriors with the 30th overall pick in the 2015 NBA draft.
What is Kevon Looney's career-high in points?
+Kevon Looney's career-high in points is 23, which he achieved against the Los Angeles Lakers on January 21, 2020.
What is Kevon Looney's contract status?
+Kevon Looney signed a three-year, $14.5 million contract extension with the Golden State Warriors in 2020.