Kevon Looney Declares for 2015 NBA Draft: Latest Details and Reaction

UCLA Bruins freshman forward Kevon Looney will forgo the remainder of his college career in favor of entering the 2015 NBA draft.

The school announced Monday that Looney is heading to the pros after just one season with the historic program.

Looney discussed his decision, via uclabruins.com:

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This was a really tough decision for me because there were so many positives both ways. My time at UCLA has been unbelievable, and I know I’ll be a Bruin forever. But playing in the NBA is a dream I’ve had for so long, and this feels like the right time to pursue that dream and make the transition to the next level. Coach Alford, our whole staff and all my teammates have been nothing but supportive of me, my family and my decision. I’m especially grateful to Coach Alford for everything he has done for me since I first stepped on campus last June. Without a doubt, coming to UCLA is the best decision I ever made, and I want everyone to understand that. I hope our fans will continue to support me at the next level as I continue my journey.

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Prior to the Bruins' Sweet 16 matchup against Gonzaga, UCLA assistant coach David Grace spoke about the first time he saw Looney in action during 2013, per the Orange County Register's Ryan Kartje: "There's some kids who are no doubt, one-and-done players, and then, there's some maybes and some kids you know will be back. He was a no-brainer."

Looney managed to average 11.6 points per game despite a somewhat raw offensive skill set and not much of a role as a go-to scorer.       

ESPN Stats & Info noted how Looney was almost a double-double machine thanks to his tremendous rebounding ability:

David J. Phillip/Associated Press

Although he could stand to bulk up a somewhat wiry frame as he prepares for the NBA, there's no denying Looney has the physical tools and the athleticism to crack a team's rotation next season.

ESPN's Chad Ford talked about some of Looney's biggest strengths: 

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He has great size for his position, has a freaky wingspan and is a good athlete for someone his size, so he checks all the boxes when it comes to size and athleticism. Looney also possesses NBA skills. He's very good on the offensive boards thanks to his pterodactyl-like wingspan and can step out and shoot.

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A huge wingspan and legitimate three-point range give Looney a well-rounded game that still has a ton of room to develop. He already has the knack for playing defense, using his length, quickness and tenacity as big advantages.

It's a bit unrealistic to expect him to start as an NBA rookie, but in two years or so, he can transform from a bench energy player to a rising star.

Prior to the Sweet 16, ESPN draft experts Ford and Kevin Pelton suggested that Looney will be a lottery pick. Ford said Looney could go anywhere from sixth to 12th overall, while Pelton ranked Looney ninth among all 2015 prospects.

Based on those projections, it does seem as though Looney is making the proper decision, having netted almost all of his production at UCLA as a result of his pure, transcendent talent.       

Molding himself amid NBA competition appears to be the next logical step for Looney as he vies to realize his immense potential.