Koby Brea Climbs NBA Draft Boards: ESPN Projects Kentucky Star as Late Second-Round Pick—Only Wildcat Expected to Be Drafted
As the 2025 NBA Draft approaches, the basketball world is beginning to zero in on the prospects who could hear their names called on draft night—and one name rising steadily on expert boards is Kentucky sharpshooter Koby Brea.
According to ESPN’s latest NBA Draft projections, Brea is now forecasted to be a late second-round pick, making him the only Kentucky player from the 2024–25 season currently projected to be drafted. It’s a development that has caught the attention of scouts, analysts, and Big Blue Nation alike.
A Season That Turned Heads
After transferring to Kentucky from Dayton, Brea made an immediate impact with his elite shooting, high basketball IQ, and veteran leadership. While not the flashiest player on a team full of athletes, Brea became the most consistent perimeter threat in the Wildcats’ rotation, finishing the season shooting 44.8% from three-point range—one of the highest percentages in the nation.
Brea’s ability to space the floor and hit big shots in clutch moments earned him praise not only from coach Mark Pope but also from opposing teams who had to adjust their defensive game plans around his presence.
“He’s the kind of player who doesn’t need a lot of touches to make a huge impact,” Pope said earlier this season. “He’s a sniper, a pro. We knew what we were getting when he transferred in, and he’s delivered every step of the way.”
Why Brea’s Stock Is Rising
In today’s NBA, shooting is more valuable than ever—and Brea brings exactly that. At 6-foot-6 with a smooth release and a quick trigger, Brea has shown he can shoot off the catch, off screens, and in transition. His efficiency, discipline, and off-ball movement have made him a favorite among NBA front offices looking for ready-made role players who can contribute immediately.
What sets him apart from many second-round prospects is his maturity and understanding of the game. After four years of college basketball, Brea is more seasoned and coachable than many one-and-done players. His age, once seen as a disadvantage, is now being viewed as an asset for teams that want a plug-and-play contributor from day one.
The Lone Wildcat in the Draft Mix
Surprisingly, Brea is the only Kentucky player projected to be selected in ESPN’s updated mock draft. Despite a roster filled with high-potential players, many of Brea’s teammates are either returning to school, testing the waters, or didn’t have the breakout season scouts anticipated.
For a program like Kentucky—known for sending multiple players to the NBA each year—this year’s draft outlook is unusual. But for Brea, it’s a testament to how hard work, consistency, and playing your role at a high level can pay off, especially in the eyes of professional scouts.
What’s Next for Brea?
As draft workouts and interviews ramp up, Brea will have the chance to further boost his stock. Teams will want to see how he defends quicker guards and whether he can maintain his elite shooting against NBA-level competition. If he performs well in private workouts, it’s not out of the question that he could rise even higher on draft boards.
Regardless of where he lands, one thing is clear: Koby Brea has made the most of his time in Lexington, and his NBA journey is just beginning. For Kentucky fans, he remains a proud symbol of what it means to wear the blue and white—not just with talent, but with poise and purpose.
