Kevon Looney Bio
Kevon Grant Looney is an American professional basketball player for the New Orleans Pelicans of the National Basketball Association (NBA). Born on February 6, 1996, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Looney played college basketball at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where he earned All-American honors. He entered the NBA draft in 2015 and was selected by the Golden State Warriors as the 30th overall pick. Over his career, he has won three NBA championships with the Warriors and is known for his versatility as a power forward and small-ball center.
Early Life and Background
Kevon Looney was born to Doug and Victoria Looney in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Growing up, he was influenced by his father, who played as a forward at Schreiner University and became the school’s career rebounding leader. Looney also admired his older brother, Kevin, who played pickup games, and developed a passion for basketball by watching Los Angeles Lakers games and studying the moves of Kobe Bryant. He attended Alexander Hamilton High School in Milwaukee, where he quickly became the best player on his team. Looney’s high school career was marked by impressive performances, earning him the title of Player of the Year in the Milwaukee City Conference during his sophomore year. In his final season, he averaged nearly a quadruple-double, leading his team to a league title and gaining national recognition as a McDonald’s All-American and Wisconsin Mr. Basketball.
Path to Basketball
Looney’s talent on the court attracted attention from college recruiters early in his high school career. He received offers from several schools, including Marquette and Wisconsin, but ultimately chose to attend UCLA. His decision was unexpected, even to his parents, and he was drawn to the school’s beautiful campus and the vision presented by Bruins coach Steve Alford. Despite suffering a hip injury before his freshman season, Looney made an immediate impact at UCLA, leading all freshmen in double-doubles and earning second-team All-Pac-12 honors. After one successful season, he declared for the 2015 NBA draft, where he was selected by the Golden State Warriors.
Kevon Looney Career
Early Career (2015–2017)
Kevon Looney’s professional career began when he signed a rookie scale contract with the Golden State Warriors on July 8, 2015. However, his early days were marred by injuries, including hip surgeries that limited his playing time. He made his NBA debut on January 24, 2016, and despite a challenging rookie season, he showed promise. Looney’s persistence paid off as he became a regular rotation player during the 2017–18 season, contributing significantly to the Warriors’ success.
Breakthrough (2018–2022)
Looney’s breakthrough came during the 2017–18 season when he established himself as a reliable player in the Warriors’ rotation. He played a crucial role in the team’s championship run, showcasing his defensive skills and ability to switch assignments. In the following seasons, Looney continued to improve, becoming a key contributor to the Warriors’ success. He was instrumental in the team’s 2022 championship victory, starting as a center and averaging 7.5 rebounds per game during the Finals.
Notable Works and Milestones
Throughout his career, Kevon Looney has achieved significant milestones, including three NBA championships in 2017, 2018, and 2022. He has also been recognized for his individual performances, such as his career-high 22 rebounds in a playoff game against the Memphis Grizzlies.
Kevon Looney Award Nominations
Kevon Looney has received various accolades throughout his career, including being named to the second-team All-Pac-12 and the Pac-12 All-Freshman team during his time at UCLA.
Kevon Looney Awards Won
Looney’s most notable achievements include winning three NBA championships with the Golden State Warriors. He has also received recognition as a McDonald’s All-American and Wisconsin Mr. Basketball during his high school career.
Kevon Looney Family
Kevon Looney comes from a supportive family. He has an older brother named Kevin and an older sister named Summer. His cousin, Nick Young, also played in the NBA, and they were teammates on the Warriors during the 2017-18 season.
Personal Life
Looney has maintained a relatively private personal life, focusing on his basketball career. He has expressed gratitude for his family’s support throughout his journey in professional basketball.
