The NBA Draft is right around the corner.
Admittedly, I don’t know a lot about this year’s prospects outside of the lottery. I mean, with the
Washington Wizards in the NBA Playoffs, my days of getting excited about tall, super athletic Czechs seem to be over.
Still, the Wizards have the 19th overall pick in this year’s draft, which is slated to be a deep one (but really, every draft is).
Given the Wizards’ position in the draft, there’s a number of different prospects that are mocked anywhere from the late-lottery to late-first-round.
Kevon Looney, a combo-forward from UCLA, could potentially be on the board when it’s
Ernie Grunfeld‘s time to make a selection.
Mike Regalado of FanSided’s UCLA site,
Go Joe Bruin, was kind enough to answer a few questions for me regarding Kevon Looney and his potential fit in D.C.
Ben: Washington thrived in the playoffs by playing a style that many described as “modern”. With Paul Pierce and Otto Porter sharing the floor, Washington didn’t have two traditional big men clogging up the paint.
Kevon Looney shot over 40 percent from three in his lone season as a Bruin, even though he attempted only 53 three-point shots. Is that a skill that can translate to the NBA? Can Looney develop into a “stretch-4″?
Mike: The great thing about Looney is that he can play the 3, but his size is better utilized at the 4.
That was not the case with Looney.
If he was behind the line, you were almost hoping he shot it. But at the same time, because of his length, you could really use his services down low.
Looney has been considered one of the most versatile players in this year’s draft. At 6’9″, he’s capable of playing both forward spots, but that hasn’t necessarily helped some other prospects.
Ben: We saw players like Derrick Williams struggle to adjust to the NBA, despite his versatility. How versatile is Looney and do you think that versatility will help him transition to the pros?
He can shoot the ball, he can drive, he can rebound and he has an innate ability for the game that is key for a player of his size.
Mike: Though he could do with hitting the weight room, Looney has the body for a player that can and will affect different parts of the game.
He is a big man that can shoot, who does not want that? And he is only 19. Looney is very athletic and uses that to his advantage, which will help him adjust to the pros.
Ben: During his exit-interview, Randy Wittman talked about wanting to play quicker and smaller next season. Basically, the Wizards are finally planning on forming a roster around their star studded back court. How well would Looney fit along side John Wall and Bradley Beal?
Mike: Looney seemed to do well in an offense that shared the ball. Though many argue in the Bruin community that since he was the most athletic player on the team that the ball should have gone through him a lot more.
Either way, when he did get his hands on the ball he usually did good things with it. If the Wizards want to play smaller next year, then Looney cannot help you there. If they want to play faster, now that is something the Wisconsin native can do.
What are some common misconceptions about Looney? Is there anything in his game that NBA teams will particularly benefit from?
Mike: One thing that bugged me about the knocks on Looney is that he should have done more.
Well, as stated above, the ball could have gotten to him more, yet he nearly averaged a double-double for the season and lead all freshmen in the nation with 15 double-doubles.
This guy can and will do more if he is allowed. He is no prima donna, this guy hustles.
And finally, give us your overall thoughts on Kevon Looney and his stock heading to the NBA Draft.
Mike: I miss him already.
He is a good kid and a great basketball player which made him one of the more popular Bruins this season. Though it would be great to see him develop a little more as a sophomore at UCLA, his freakish athleticism is ready for the NBA.
If scouts saw his individual game, then they can see that he is a solid ball player.
Thanks to Mike Regalado (@TheBigDisco) for taking the time. Check out Go Joe Bruinfor anything UCLA related.
