Koby Brea prioritized winning in choosing Kentucky

Koby Brea had his pick of top-tier programs during his recruitment out of the transfer portal this offseason. In the end, though, he chose to spend his fifth collegiate season at Kentucky.

Brea explained his decision to commit to the Wildcats in a media availability at the NEW ERA Event from Club Blue on Saturday. He said the chance to win was the most significant factor in his process as contending for a national title is the goal for him this year.

“Yeah, I mean, I was just looking for a program that was going to be able to compete for a championship,” said Brea. “That’s my biggest thing. I wanted to be able to win this last year.”

There was more to the pitch from UK, though. For one, the new staff is one that he wanted to play for considering the system and background that they’re bringing to the bluegrass. For two, he said there’s not much else to say about playing for the team in the blue and white.

“You know, Coach Pope is an amazing coach, an amazing coaching staff,” Brea continued. “Their system really compliments to what I’ve been in.”

“On top of everything, Kentucky is Kentucky, man,” added Brea. “Like, since I was little? I’m from New York. I’ve always dreamt about coming here so it was a great opportunity for me.”

Brea spent the first four years of his college career with Dayton. He appeared in 113 games with the Flyers with only 21 of those being starts. Over that time, he averaged 7.9 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 1.1 assists while shooting 44.2% from the field and 43.4% from three on a pair of triples per game.

As a redshirt junior last season, Brea posted his best season, especially in efficiency. He averaged 11.1 points on 51.2% overall and 49.8% from distance on three threes a game. That made him No. 1 in the nation in three-point percentage. He was also Top-30 in triples per game and total threes.

Brea then decided to enter the portal this offseason. In doing so, he was the No. 46 overall player and No. 10 SG in On3’s 2024 Transfer Portal Top Players.

In the end, Brea decided on Kentucky over the likes of UConn, Duke, Kansas, and North Carolina. That made him their class’s fourth highest-rated addition behind Brandon Garrison, Amari Williams, and Jaxson Robinson.

The Wildcats have one of the best shooters in the nation joining them next season in Brea. Now it’s about the victories for both of them as the hope is the Brea impact more than a few Wildcat wins next year.