Koby Brea, formerly of the Dayton Flyers, made waves by committing to Kentucky for his final college season, choosing the Wildcats over Duke, North Carolina, Kansas, and UConn. His decision aligns with his career goals and the program’s strategic fit.
Inside the Koby Brea’s Commitment to Kentucky
Brea was the top shooter in the transfer portal, leading all college guards with a 71.5% effective field goal percentage. He was the only player last season to hit 100 threes at a 50% clip, a feat achieved by just three others in NCAA history: Salim Stoudamire (2005), Mike Iuzzolino (1991), and Steve Kerr (1988). His catch-and-shoot numbers ranked in the 100th percentile.
Kentucky is back in the Sweet 16, led by first-year head coach Mark Pope and sharpshooter Brea. The Wildcats defeated Illinois 84-75 on Sunday, advancing past the NCAA Tournament’s opening weekend for the first time since their 2019 Elite Eight run.
Brea, who received offers from Duke, North Carolina, Kansas, and UConn, credited his decision to join Kentucky to Pope.
“Because of this man right here. They’ve been great to us. Coach, man, he trusts me. He believes in me,” Brea said. “The rest of my team, I have great people around me, man. I can’t complain.”
Koby Brea, who had offers from Duke, North Carolina, Kansas, and UConn, on why he chose Kentucky:
“Because of this man right here.”
Mark Pope: “He knew I needed the most help.” pic.twitter.com/Kwn5qyG5rG
— TheCatsPause247 (@TheCatsPause247) March 25, 2025
Pope, a former Kentucky forward on the 1996 national championship team, took over after John Calipari’s departure to Arkansas. In his debut season, Pope led the Wildcats (24-11) to the Sweet 16, where they will face SEC rival Tennessee, a team they have beaten twice this season.
Despite entering as underdogs, Kentucky’s roster of transfer players—none of whom were on scholarship at the program last season—has defied expectations.
“We’ve got a lot of underdogs on this team, a lot of people who’ve been doubted just through our life,” Lamont Butler said.
Brea, a fifth-year senior from Dayton, delivered a standout performance against Illinois, scoring 23 points on 10-of-16 shooting, including 10 consecutive points in the second half. Otega Oweh added 15, and Butler contributed 14.
Reflecting on his journey, Brea recalled his dream of playing for Kentucky.
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“Growing up, I was told I was dreaming too big,” he told ESPN last year. “I feel like God does everything for a reason, and He has put me in a position where I’m able to play for my dream school in my last year of college while playing for something bigger than myself.”
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