We need someone who can shoot the 3 ball though. Can he shoot?
He can shoot, Its no Aaron Gordon situation. But as you can clearly see in that video his shot release is very slow, he must work on releasing the ball quicker.
If he were to somehow shoot the ball really well from 3 next year, 8 is probably too low for him, just because hes really built to affect the game in other area's (defense and rebounding)
Heres Givony's report on him from Sept. 2013
Recruiting Rankings: 247: #7, ESPN: #9, Scout: #9, Rivals: #11
Strengths:
-Solid frame. Big shoulders. Should be able to fill out nicely
-Good wingspan (7-1)
-Plays extremely hard
-Excellent rebounder
-Very competitive defensively
-Guards multiple positions
-Gets in passing lanes. Blocks shots
-Decent shooting mechanics. Can make a spot-up 3-pointer
-Uses shot fakes to open up driving lanes
-Unselfish player. Does all the little things. Doesn't mind doing the dirty work
Weaknesses:
-Somewhat stuck between the 3 and the 4 offensively
-Doesn't have a consistent means of scoring right now except via offensive glass
-Flat-footed jumper with a slow release
-Average ball-handler
-No left hand
-No real post game
He's grown since this report, 7'3 Wingspan and hes now at least 210lbs (was 183 2 summers ago)..
The thing is, he plays HS ball in Wisconsin so there was always a bit of knock against his competition... just look at these stats...
2013-14:
27.9 ppg, 12.7 rpg, 8.0 bpg, 5.0 apg | Senior (Hamilton)
2012-13:
26.1 ppg, 12.4 rpg, 7.0 bpg, 3.1 apg | Junior (Hamilton)
Im pretty sure his HS coach would tell you he's been playing PG. I think that Givony avoided a key point on that report though, Looney is pretty damn explosive, he appears to anticipate well, and get off the ground quickly(quick 2nd jump, just watch him rebound) .