Dedication. Grit. Perseverance. Unwavering Belief. Four key traits that describe Kevon Looney's essence and encompass his journey to turning his childhood dreams into reality. Born and raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Kevon remembers being surrounded by the game of basketball growing up—watching his dad and brother play—and quickly becoming interested in embarking on a journey of his own. There was something uniquely special about the game. Something that to him was indescribable, but fueled his passion to one day play in the NBA. Throughout his childhood years, Kevon recalls spending every day at the park practicing his basketball moves and working to grow his game. His work ethic was unmatched. As he began his journey at Alexander Hamilton High School, Kevon continued to deepen his knowledge of the game and leave his mark on the court. From becoming a McDonald's All-American to receiving a Wisconsin Mr. Basketball honor to leading his team to a conference title, he earned an array of accolades throughout his time in high school that highlighted his commitment to playing the game at the highest level. Upon graduation, Kevon embarked on his collegiate career at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). Despite suffering a hip injury going into his freshman year, he worked tirelessly to get back on the floor and was able to return just in time for the season.
After a stellar freshman season at UCLA, Kevon decided to take the next step in his career and declared for the NBA Draft. He was all in. Before he knew it, the opportunity he had been working towards for as long as he could remember was here. With the 30th pick in the 2015 NBA Draft, the Golden State Warriors selected Kevon. He had done it. He had achieved his childhood dreams of playing in the NBA. For Kevon, this was just the beginning. It was the start of a chapter that unleashed a new level of focus and commitment to building his legacy both on and off the court. Although he faced a series of injuries early on in his career, Kevon worked season after season to elevate his game and heighten his impact on the floor. Sure enough, he has done just that. Throughout his time in the league, Kevon has not only become a three-time NBA Champion, but one of the veteran leaders in Golden State. Off the court, he has also pursued an array of ventures focused on giving back to his city of Milwaukee. From his annual basketball camps and charity games to his work with the Running Rebels Organization—a non-profit organization devoted to giving back to inner city youth—Kevon has organized and participated in community initiates dedicated to mentoring the next generation. As he reflects on his journey thus far, Kevon is eager to continue reaching new heights in his basketball career while inspiring others to be fearless in the pursuit of their goals, to keep stepping outside their comfort zones, and always envision the impossible...because if you can dream it, you can achieve it!
Let's talk about your journey early on in high school! You had an incredible career at Alexander Hamilton High School—you were a McDonald's All-American, Wisconsin Mr. Basketball, you won a conference title. Could you share more with us about your time in high school and what earning those honors meant to you?
It meant a lot to earn all those honors in Wisconsin. My first three years, I got to play for a legendary coach named Tom Diener. He had a lot of great players and a big tradition of getting guys to college and things like that. Getting to play for him and being able to win all those games and get all those honors was great. I think I might’ve been the first McDonald's All-American from Milwaukee since like the (90s) or something, so to be able to do that and all those special things in front of my friends and family was something I’ll always remember. I’ve played a lot of games and been able to do a lot of great things in the NBA and in college, but those memories in high school are always special.
During your time in high school, you also helped your team win its first conference title in school history. What was that moment like of not only receiving those personal accolades throughout your high school career, but also being able to share this particular milestone with the rest of your team?
It was special to be able to do that. You know, the game we won to clinch the conference title was versus one of my teammates now, Jordan Poole, so I always tease him about that (*laughs*). It was a big game for me to win—it was actually the game (where) I broke the City Conference scoring record. There were a lot of things going on in one game. It all culminated to be one special moment and something I’ll always remember. I got to get the game ball, take it to my parents and stuff like that, so that was all pretty cool. My parents still remember that, I still remember that, so it was a special day.
You then embarked on your collegiate career at UCLA. How was that transition from high school to college like for you?
It was different. Being a kid from Milwaukee traveling all the way out to UCLA definitely was a culture shock the first couple months out there, but I feel I got adjusted pretty quickly. When I first got there, I kind of got hurt so it took away my summer, but I got healthy for the season and was able to adjust. Our season was pretty up and down at UCLA. You know, we started off pretty good, then we had like a five-game losing streak. We lost some embarrassing games, but we got back on the right track, made it to the tournament, and (were) able to get to the Sweet Sixteen. It was a fun season. I got a couple of guys on my team that I'm still really close friends (with) to this day. I'm glad I chose to go to UCLA—that's where I workout every summer—, and I’m proud to be an alumni there.
You only spent a season at UCLA before declaring for the NBA Draft, but how do you think your game elevated throughout your freshman year to prepare you for the next level?