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Catching Up with VA 2021 PF Cade Looney

By Big Shots Nation, 06/24/20, 8:45AM EDT

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Catching Up with VA 2021 PF Cade Looney

Cade Looney is a 6'8 210 pound Power Forward from Grundy HS. Cade is a stat sheet filler type of guy who can get it done in all parts of his game. One of the best parts of his game is his ability to block shots. In one game during his high school season, he totaled 15 blocks. Cade can stretch the floor with his ability to catch and shoot the 3 and get to the rim. He also attacks the rim for every loose ball and rebound, averaging 12 rebounds a game. He has always been impressive in Big Shots tournaments being an All-Star in multiple. Cade has had a breakout junior year and is expecting a great summer. 

We had a chance to catch up with Cade Looney and hear more about his recruitment, what he is looking for in a school, and his development as a player.

Question: Which schools are showing you the most interest? 

Cade Looney: “Emory & Henry College, University of Lynchburg, Concord University, Army West Point, UVA Wise, VMI, Bridgewater College, and Hampden-Sydney College.”

Question: How did your high school season end up? 

Looney: “This past season was an unforgettable one. As a team, we made school history; we had a 24-3 record. We were the Black Diamond District Season and Tournament Champions.  We were the Region 1D Runner Up and made it to the VHSL State Final Four, making school history. Individually, I was blessed to become the all time men's leading scorer at Grundy High School. I was Black Diamond District Player of the year, 1st Team All Region 1D, and 1st Team All State. I was also named to the Bristol Herald Courier and the Bluefield Daily Telegraph all area teams.” 

Question: Were there any highlights or memorable moments throughout the year? 

Looney: “Yes, there were so many. Breaking the all time men's scoring record at Grundy High School was a special night. Also, getting the regional semifinal win that secured our team a spot in the state tournament, then getting the first win at the state tournament , something that had not been done in 76 years for our school. Those were very special moments for myself and my team.”

Question: What qualities are you looking for in your potential college coach and program? 

Looney: “I’m looking for the best fit for me both athletically and academically. Classroom considerations are a huge part of the picture for me as I desire to go on to medical school.”

Question: How would you describe your game on the court? 

Looney: “I feel that I’m a complete player. I can handle the ball, shoot it, and play inside or out. However, I really like playing in the paint. I seem to have a natural feel for getting my hands on the ball  and I usually have high rebound numbers. Offensively, I really like to work off the ball screen, pick and roll or pop. Being able to shoot on the perimeter allows us to really stretch defenses.” 

Question: In what areas of your game would you like to improve as you prepare for the next level? 

Looney: “I hope I can continue to improve my ball handling. My coach has always placed an emphasis on developing that aspect of my game. He has always told me that a big man that can handle it and shoot it is a player that can excel at all levels.” 

Question: Who is your favorite player to study and why?

Looney: “My favorite player to study is Kevin Durant. He is one of the most versatile players in the league that can dribble, shoot, and even play in the post. I try to incorporate a lot of aspects of his game into my own.” 

Question: How have you been able to manage the quarantine while continuing to train and get better as a player? 

Looney: “I have been very fortunate to have access to weights and a vertimax to train at home. Skill wise, we have an outdoor goal so I have been able to keep my basketball workouts and shooting going. I also have had access to a local church gym to work out in occasionally. The weight training has been going great. I have gotten a lot stronger over the last 3 months. The extra time has allowed me to put more focus into my lifting. I have put on close to 10 pounds and I feel it will serve me well when we get back to playing. My younger brother and I have been pushing each other to get better and make the most of this time.”

We look forward to keeping up with Cade and continuing to follow his progression as a very talented player in VA’s 2021 class.