2015 NBA Draft: Top Underclassmen Prospects

Apr 5, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Left to right are, Duke Blue Devils center Jahlil Okafor (15) and guard Matt Jones (13) and forward Justise Winslow (12) and guards Tyus Jones (5) and Quinn Cook (2) and head coach Mike Krzyzewski during the team press conference at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /

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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 /

8. Kevon Looney, SF/PF, 6-10, 220 pounds, UCLA FR

Looney is in the same boat as Myles Turner (more on him in a minute) as a high-ceiling player. He’s not heavy enough to guard traditional big men night in and night out, and he hasn’t played nearly enough on the wing yet. But he’s an outstanding rebounder, has a solid three-pointer already, and has a pterodactyl-like wing span (Will Jay Bilas go over or under five wingspan mentions on draft night? I say over.)

If you look at him solely as a power forward, he’s got a lot of upside. He’s a mismatch offensively: a player capable of drawing attention out to the three-point line, and quick enough/steady enough as ball-handler to drive to the hoop. But there are certain matchups he won’t fare well in.

Then again, nobody thought Draymond Green was big enough to play the four, and that’s turned out pretty well for the Golden State Warriors. Looney averaged 11.6 points, 9.2 rebounds and 1.3 steals per game for the surprisingly good Bruins. I’ve seen comparisons to Kevin Durant and Lamar Odom, and while I’m not ready to compare Looney to a former NBA MVP or Sixth Man of the Year (pour some out for the Lamar Odom glory years), Looney has the makings of a solid NBA player.

Next: No. 7