Five-star forward will set up visits next

Looking back, Kevon Looney wouldn't trade the last few years for anything. Looking ahead, the five-star forward has a big decision to make.

For much of the last three summers, the 6-foot-9 forward from Milwaukee (Wisc.) Hamilton has been zig zagging across the country for camps and with his travel team the Milwaukee Rebels. The travel has been hectic and he's looking forward to some rest, but he created a lot of memories and lasting relationships.

"It's been a lot of fun," Looney told Rivals.com. "It's been a long journey and I'm ready to go home and see my family and rest for a little bit.

"The ride and the relationships that I've built with these top competitors and with my summer team has been a lot of fun. I've made family out of friends."

Along the way, Looney has also developed into a pretty good basketball player. A once rail thin 6-foot-5 wing who showed promise as a three point shooter, Looney has grown in both physical stature and skill. He can still shoot, but plays a versatile inside/out game and has become much stronger.

"I've made the biggest development in strength," said Looney. "When I came in as a freshman I was like 150 pounds and now I'm up to about 210 pound and I've been getting a lot stronger. I want to continue to get stronger."

On the recruiting front, Looney has long been one of the most sought after players in the country. Ranked No. 11 nationally, he's cut things down to a final group of six that includes Duke, Florida Michigan State, Tennessee, UCLA and Wisconsin.

Duke: "I have a great relationship with Coach K and the entire Duke coaching staff. He's a legendary coach and the Duke brand is one of the best."

Florida: "I liked Billy Donovan a lot when he came in and did the in home visit. When I watch them play I see players like me and I see some players like me from Florida who have made it to the NBA."

Michigan State: "I have a great relationship with coach Fife and Tom Izzo. They have been recruiting me hard since I was a freshman, they are great fit because of their tough style and kind of close to home."

Tennessee: "I have a great relationship with coach Cuonzo Martin and the rest of the coaches too. My dad is from there and I went there on an unofficial and liked it a lot."

UCLA: "I like California a lot and when I first saw it last summer after Pangos All-American camp I liked it a lot. I like the way they are going to play."

Wisconsin: "They are the home state team and you have to consider them. Bo Ryan has been there since the beginning and I have a great relationship with him and Greg Gard and my parents do too."

After getting some rest, the next step for Looney is to set up his official visits. He'll see Wisconsin unofficially while the rest of his finalists get officials. He's looking to decide in the early period and what he sees on the visits will have a big impact.

"When I go on these visits it will be whatever my parents and I think is best for me," said Looney. "It could be style of play or who they feel most comfortable with."

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