JUST NOW: Mark Pope’s Bold Plan to Transform Koby Brea’s Game – You Won’t Believe What’s Next
Kentucky Wildcats head coach Mark Pope was eager to enhance Kentucky’s offense with a deadly 3-point shooting threat. Adding Dayton transfer Koby Brea to the mix seemed like the perfect recipe for one of the nation’s top shooting teams.
Brea, who led the nation with a remarkable 48.9% from beyond the arc last season, has continued his hot shooting at Kentucky, hitting 15 of 19 attempts (78.9%) through the first four games. The Wildcats’ single-season record is 52.9%, set by Travis Ford in 1994.
But Brea’s contribution goes beyond his shooting. He’s also averaging five rebounds per game, including seven in Kentucky’s dominant 97-68 victory over Lipscomb.
Brea has hit multiple 3-pointers in every game so far, including six against Bucknell. He has scored in double digits in three of the four games and is shooting 66.7% from the field.
“I’m just trying to show different parts of my game, whether it’s playmaking or rebounding,” Brea said. “I’m just not trying to be one-dimensional.”
As for Pope’s vision for Brea’s development, he wants to see him improve his ability to drive the ball and create space more confidently. “I’d like him to probe more downhill, be a bigger energy cutter, and take advantage of the attention his shooting will draw,” Pope said. “He has a lot of room to grow in that area.”
Kentucky will face Jackson State Friday night at 7 PM at Rupp Arena in Lexington, with the game airing on SEC Network+ and on the UK Sports Network.