As the 2025 NBA Draft looms closer, one Kentucky Wildcats player continues to rise through the ranks of NBA scouts and analysts. Koby Brea, the 6-foot-7 guard who played under Mark Pope’s first roster, is now pegged as the 54th overall pick in ESPN’s latest mock draft. After a standout season with the Wildcats, Brea has managed to capture the attention of NBA experts, and he could be hearing his name called by the Indiana Pacers when the draft hits Brooklyn, NY, this June.
Koby Brea’s Impressive Journey at Kentucky
Brea’s journey to this point has been anything but ordinary. The 22-year-old sharpshooter entered Kentucky with a reputation for his shooting ability. However, his growth under Coach Mark Pope’s guidance over the course of the 2024-25 season has been remarkable. While known for his deadly three-point shooting, Brea’s game evolved to showcase versatility, turning him into not just a scorer, but a reliable playmaker and defender as well.
During the season, Brea finished second in scoring for Kentucky, averaging 11.6 points per game. What made his numbers even more impressive was his three-point shooting, where he led the SEC with a scorching 43.5 percent from deep. His development was especially noticeable in the latter part of the season, as Brea excelled in a variety of roles. Over the final 17 games, which included 15 starts, Brea averaged 12.6 points, 3.3 rebounds, and two assists while shooting an impressive 46.9% from the field, 40.2% from beyond the arc, and 92% from the free-throw line.
Rising Draft Stock as a Playmaker
Coming into the season, Brea’s primary strength was his ability to knock down shots from long range. However, as Kentucky’s roster dealt with injuries, Brea was thrust into more ball-handling duties than ever before. This shift in responsibility turned out to be a blessing in disguise for Brea, as it allowed him to develop into a more complete player. His ball-handling improved, and his ability to read defenses and create for his teammates became a noticeable strength.
NBA scouts have been taking note of Brea’s newfound versatility. His ability to handle the ball, combined with his improved defense and steady playmaking, has increased his value as a potential NBA contributor. While his shooting remains his standout skill, it’s the other areas of his game that have begun to catch the eyes of professional scouts.
Koby Brea’s Potential Impact at the Next Level
Brea’s rise in the NBA Draft projections may seem fast, but it’s been earned through months of consistent development. As of ESPN’s March 2025 update, the Kentucky guard’s name is positioned near the tail end of the draft. The Pacers, selecting at No. 54, could be an ideal landing spot for Brea, where his skills as a sharpshooter and emerging playmaker could complement a team looking to add depth and shooting to its backcourt.
With the draft approaching on June 25-26, Brea will be looking to make the most of the final stretch of his pre-draft workouts and combine performances. If he continues to impress scouts with his mix of shooting and newfound versatility, there’s a good chance that Brea could hear his name called higher than expected. His story is one of growth, persistence, and adaptation, and it’s one that could lead to an exciting NBA career.
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