You said: Koby Brea Flaunts Big Blue Pride While Impressing Scouts at NBA Combine

As the 2025 NBA Draft approaches, players from across the country are putting their talents on full display at the NBA Draft Combine in Chicago. Among the prospects vying for the attention of scouts and executives is Kentucky’s own Koby Brea, a sharp-shooting wing whose blend of basketball skill, maturity, and school pride has quickly made him one of the most talked-about names at the event.

But Brea is doing more than just making shots in front of NBA brass—he’s reminding everyone why the Kentucky Wildcats remain one of the premier programs in college basketball. From the moment he stepped onto the floor in Combine drills wearing Big Blue colors on his sneakers, to his heartfelt interviews about his time in Lexington, Brea has made one thing clear: he’s not just representing himself—he’s representing a legacy.

A Standout Showing in Chicago

Over the course of several days at the NBA Combine, Brea has consistently impressed talent evaluators. Known for his elite three-point shooting and high basketball IQ, Brea has shown more dimensions to his game than many scouts expected.

In live scrimmages, Brea demonstrated his signature smooth stroke from beyond the arc, knocking down shots off the catch and the dribble with remarkable consistency. But it wasn’t just the shooting that stood out. Brea’s movement without the ball, perimeter defense, and unselfish passing caught the attention of several NBA teams looking for plug-and-play wing talent.

“He’s one of the most NBA-ready shooters in this class,” said one scout for a Western Conference team. “But what we’re seeing this week is that he can do more—he’s a complete player. You know he comes from a system that demands discipline, and that shows in every drill.”

From Bronx Roots to Big Blue Nation

Koby Brea’s journey to Kentucky wasn’t a traditional one. Born and raised in the Bronx, New York, Brea was a high school standout but went under the radar nationally. He originally began his collegiate career at Dayton, where he became one of the Atlantic 10’s most feared perimeter shooters. After three strong seasons at Dayton, Brea transferred to Kentucky for his senior year in 2024, a move that would catapult him onto the national stage.

Under head coach Mark Pope, Brea flourished. Used primarily as a stretch wing and floor-spacer, Brea averaged 14.8 points, 3.9 rebounds, and shot a blistering 44.7% from three-point range in his lone season in Lexington. More importantly, he became a key leader on a team that made a deep NCAA Tournament run and returned Kentucky to national prominence after years of postseason frustration.

His impact on the floor was undeniable, but Brea’s connection with the university and its fanbase was just as powerful. He embraced the pressure, the spotlight, and the expectation that comes with wearing Kentucky blue—and in return, Big Blue Nation embraced him.

“Kentucky Changed My Life”

During an emotional sit-down interview at the Combine with ESPN’s Malika Andrews, Brea was asked about his experience at Kentucky. Without hesitation, he smiled and said, “Kentucky changed my life.”

He elaborated: “I came in with something to prove, not just to scouts, but to myself. Coach Pope gave me confidence. The fans—man, the fans made me feel like family from day one. Playing in Rupp Arena, wearing that jersey… that’s something I’ll carry with me forever.”

Brea added that the demands of playing at Kentucky prepared him for this exact moment.

“You’ve got to bring it every night. The media, the lights, the legacy—it’s all there. You learn how to block out the noise and just hoop. That’s what I’m doing here now.”

NBA Teams Take Notice

Brea’s performance at the Combine has vaulted him into serious second-round consideration, with some insiders believing he could climb into the late first round with strong team interviews and individual workouts.

One general manager reportedly told The Athletic, “He’s mature. He’s smart. He knows how to play the game the right way. And he’s one of the best shooters in the class. That combination is rare.”

Multiple teams in need of shooting and floor spacing—such as the Milwaukee Bucks, Sacramento Kings, and Miami Heat—are rumored to be scheduling private workouts with Brea in the coming weeks.

Beyond the Numbers: A Team Player with Championship Experience

It’s easy to be impressed by Brea’s shooting percentages and Combine measurables (he posted a 6’6″ wingspan and a 38-inch vertical), but what truly sets him apart is his understanding of team basketball.

Former Kentucky teammate and current NBA prospect Otega Oweh praised Brea’s leadership: “Koby’s one of the most selfless players I’ve ever been around. He doesn’t care about the spotlight. He just wants to win—and that’s contagious.”

Brea’s Kentucky team finished the 2024–25 season with a 28-8 record and a trip to the Elite Eight, their deepest run in nearly a decade. While players like Oweh and freshman sensation Jaden Bradley garnered headlines, it was Brea’s consistent shooting and veteran composure that often kept Kentucky in games.

A Role Model Off the Court

Brea’s presence at the Combine isn’t just about showcasing his talent—it’s also about representing where he came from. As one of only a handful of players from the Bronx in this year’s draft class, Brea takes pride in his roots and frequently mentions the mentors and youth coaches who helped him get to this point.

“I wouldn’t be here without my community,” Brea said during a media availability. “That’s why I always try to give back when I can. Basketball gave me a future, and I want other kids from the Bronx to see that anything’s possible.”

That sense of humility and purpose has also impressed NBA teams during their interview sessions.

What’s Next for Brea?

The NBA Combine is just the beginning of a crucial stretch for Koby Brea. Over the next month, he will attend multiple team workouts, continue refining his game, and meet with organizations to evaluate potential fit.

Scouts agree that Brea’s best role in the NBA may be as a spot-up shooter and secondary playmaker in a system that values spacing and ball movement—think along the lines of a Duncan Robinson, Gary Trent Jr., or even a young Joe Harris.

If he lands with the right franchise, Brea could contribute immediately off the bench while growing into a more prominent role over time.

Kentucky’s Growing Pipeline to the Pros

Brea’s journey is yet another example of how Kentucky continues to serve as a launchpad for NBA talent. Though recent years have featured coaching changes and inconsistent postseason results, the Wildcats remain a premier program for preparing players for the next level.

Under Mark Pope, Kentucky has rejuvenated its development approach, focusing not just on five-star freshmen but also experienced transfers like Brea who bring maturity and leadership to the locker room.

Brea’s emergence as an NBA-level prospect is a testament to that philosophy.

Final Thoughts: A Kentucky Star on the Rise

Koby Brea may not have started his college career in Lexington, but he’ll leave it as a Wildcat forever. His performance at the NBA Combine has turned heads, but it’s his loyalty to Kentucky, his poise under pressure, and his deep love for the game that have won over scouts and fans alike.

As Brea continues his journey to the NBA, he does so not just as a top shooter in the draft, but as a proud ambassador of Big Blue Nation. And whether it’s in the late first round or early second, one thing is certain—whoever drafts Koby Brea is getting more than just a shooter. They’re getting a worker, a winner, and a true Kentucky man.