Milwaukee native Kevon Looney back in his old stomping grounds
MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) - Milwaukee native Kevon Looney returned to Milwaukee to stop by Running Rebels, where he spent his time as a kid. He also is in Milwaukee holding a youth basketball camp sponsored by Kohl's Healthy Families.
"Always important to celebrate where you from, they celebrate me, so I want to celebrate them. they are a big part of the reason of where I am today," said Looney. "Being in running rebels, I was always taught to give back. always talk about that circle of giving back. feel like that's my responsibility to do the same thing. I got great role models in my parents and Miss Dawn and Vick."
Looney took time to have some fun with the kids before his camp and held a Q and A with them as well.
"Feel like it's my duty to represent the city everywhere I go. And not just represent it but talk about it and shed light on all the good things we got going on. Everywhere I go I talk about Running Rebels; I talk about the talent. I talk about the next kids that's coming up.," said Looney.
He's been running his camp for a decade and has pride in seeing kids come back every year.
"To see kids start really young and see them grow and develop into young women, young men, being respectful and successful kids in life - It's just a big thing for me," said Looney.
For the first time in his NBA career, when this NBA season starts, Kevon Looney is not a part of the Golden State Warriors. After 10 years with the Warriors, Looney signed a two-year deal with the New Orleans Pelicans.
"It was a tough decision, the Bay is like my second home," said Looney. "I'm excited to go down to New Orleans, embrace my new teammates, my new organization, and new city. I'm looking forward to the new challenge."
The 29-year-old joins the Pelicans with the most NBA experience on the roster.
"We got a lot of talent that I feel like I'm a piece that can bring it all together," said Looney.
He also reunites with former Warriors assistants Willie Green, now the Pelicans head coach, and Jarron Collins, a current Pelicans assistant. It just so happens he also gets to reunite with fellow Milwaukee n Jordan Poole who was traded to the Pelicans before Looney put ink to paper.
"He told me, 'I know you're a free agent you might have to come out. I was like 'man, maybe', said Looney with a smile. "I was kinda joking, but when the opportunity actually presented itself, I was super excited to make that decision to be with a guy I won a championship with, a guy from my same city. I'm looking forward to play with him again."
Looney is a 3-time NBA Champion with the Warriors, playing a big role in the 2023 Championship, leading all players in the postseason with 63 offensive rebounds. In 10 seasons, Looney averages 5 points per game and 5.7 rebounds.