Kevon Looney Returns to Milwaukee: NBA Star Teams Up with Running Rebels for Historic Unity Weekend
Kevon Looney, a 10-year NBA veteran and Milwaukee native, has teamed up with Running Rebels, a local youth and community engagement organization, to host a series of impactful events aimed at bringing unity to his hometown. The weekend-long initiative, which kicked off with “The Pop Out” on Wednesday, was designed to foster networking opportunities for business owners and investors, and it quickly evolved into a multifaceted celebration of community, sports, and excellence.
Looney, who attended Hamilton High School in Milwaukee, has always been passionate about giving back to his roots. Friday marked the official start of the weekend’s lineup, which included his youth basketball camp, an event he has been organizing for a decade. For boys and girls aged 8-14, the camp offered a rare chance to learn basketball skills directly from Looney, who has spent the last 10 seasons in the NBA with the Golden State Warriors. Looney’s dedication to nurturing young talent comes from his own experiences attending similar camps as a child. He reminisced about attending events hosted by NBA stars like Devin Harris and Brandon Jennings, remembering how those experiences inspired his own career.
Looney’s words were heartfelt: “It’s always fun to come back to Milwaukee and do these camps. I remember being a little kid coming to a camp and having a great time. If I ever made it, I knew I would do the same thing and follow in their footsteps. So, it’s been a lot of fun to see the kids kind of grow up and fall in love with the game of basketball.”
In addition to the camp, Friday’s events featured Looney’s fourth annual “Unity Black Excellence Awards.” The ceremony recognized individuals and organizations who have worked tirelessly to foster a sense of unity and empowerment in Milwaukee. This celebration of local leaders was complemented by a comedy slam, adding a dose of laughter to the weekend’s more serious undertones.
Looney’s journey from high school basketball to the NBA has been nothing short of remarkable. After playing at UCLA, he was selected by the Golden State Warriors as a first-round pick in 2015. Over the past decade, Looney played 599 games with Golden State, making 262 starts and contributing to multiple NBA championships. This summer, he signed a two-year contract with the New Orleans Pelicans, marking the next step in his illustrious career. Despite his professional success, Looney remains deeply connected to his Milwaukee roots and continues to inspire the next generation of athletes.
Through his partnership with Running Rebels and his ongoing commitment to youth development, Looney continues to show that the game of basketball is about more than just winning on the court; it’s about building bridges, empowering communities, and creating lasting change.
