As the 2025 NBA Draft approaches, all eyes are on Koby Brea, a standout player from the University of Kentucky. At 6 feet 6 inches tall and weighing 202 pounds, Brea has made a name for himself with an impressive skill set that has NBA scouts buzzing. With a solid performance during the 2024-25 season, where he averaged 11.6 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game, Brea has positioned himself as a potential late first-round pick. This scouting report delves into his strengths and weaknesses, providing an overview of what he could bring to an NBA team.
Strengths
One of Brea’s most notable attributes is his shooting ability. He possesses a knockdown shooting touch with NBA range, boasting a career 43.4% shooting percentage from beyond the arc on 730 attempts. Over the past two seasons, he has elevated that number to an impressive 46.5%. His versatility as a shooter is evident in various contexts; he has achieved shooting percentages of 48% in transition, 44.2% on dribble handoffs (DHOs), 46.4% off screens, and 42.7% off the bounce. This ability to score from multiple areas on the court makes him a valuable asset.
Brea’s shooting mechanics are clean and compact, allowing him to get his shot off quickly while maintaining balance and elevation. He excels as an off-ball weapon, skillfully relocating, curling, and sprinting into open space. His ability to read defenders and create separation is a hallmark of his game. Additionally, his polished footwork enables him to thrive in offensive sets designed for movement shooters, such as floppy, elevator, and hammer plays.
Another strength is Brea’s high basketball IQ. He makes smart decisions on the court, keeping the ball moving and rarely overdribbling, as evidenced by his assist-to-turnover ratio of 1.3 to 0.5. His solid frame allows him to hold his own physically, and he has the potential to add more strength to his game, which could enhance his effectiveness at the next level.
Brea’s low-usage, high-efficiency playing style makes him an ideal floor spacer, complementing high-usage creators on an NBA roster. His ability to stretch the floor and provide shooting options will be highly sought after in today’s perimeter-oriented game.
Weaknesses
Despite his strengths, Brea does have areas that need improvement. One of the most significant concerns is his athleticism. He is a below-the-rim athlete, and his limited vertical leap has affected his finishing ability at the rim, resulting in a mere 55% success rate in halfcourt situations and 43.8% on layups. This lack of explosiveness limits his ability to consistently beat defenders off the dribble or create space for more dynamic shots.
Brea’s wingspan is also a point of concern. His undersized wingspan restricts his ability to contest shots, rebound effectively, or disrupt plays on defense. While he can shoot the ball well, he struggles to create his own shots, lacking the burst needed to pressure defenders and finish at the rim.
Defensively, Brea’s activity level is lacking. His low steal and deflection rates indicate minimal impact in passing lanes or as a help defender. He often finds himself outmatched by stronger wings, struggling with physicality and losing positioning in one-on-one situations. To succeed in the NBA, he will need to significantly improve his agility and foot speed to keep up with the league’s athletic wings.
Additionally, Brea has a history of stress fractures in his legs, which have led to the insertion of steel rods. This injury history raises concerns about his long-term mobility and overall durability, factors that NBA teams will undoubtedly consider during the draft process.
Conclusion
Koby Brea is an intriguing prospect heading into the 2025 NBA Draft. His shooting ability, basketball IQ, and potential as a floor spacer make him a valuable asset for teams looking to enhance their perimeter scoring. However, his athletic limitations and defensive shortcomings present challenges that he will need to address as he transitions to the professional level.
As Brea prepares for the draft, NBA teams will undoubtedly weigh his strengths against his weaknesses. If he can improve his physicality and defensive skills while maintaining his shooting prowess, he could become a significant contributor in the league. For NBA fans in the United States, Brea’s journey is one to watch as he aims to make his mark in the world of professional basketball.