Koby Brea Proudly Displays His Passion for Kentucky Basketball, Even While Competing on the National Stage at NBA Combine

Koby Brea has never been one to hide his emotions or allegiances, and that remained true even as he took the floor at the 2025 NBA Combine. Among a sea of hopefuls vying for the attention of scouts and executives, Brea stood out—not just because of his smooth shooting stroke or his confident demeanor, but because of what he chose to wear and how he carried himself. From his Wildcat-blue accents to the unmistakable Kentucky wristband he sported during drills, Brea made it abundantly clear: his heart still belongs to Lexington.

Though Brea is no longer playing college basketball, his connection to the University of Kentucky runs deeper than any scouting report can measure. It’s not simply a matter of where he spent part of his collegiate career or where he polished his perimeter game. It’s about a genuine love for the culture, the fans, the history—and yes, the pressure—that comes with wearing the blue and white. “Kentucky made me who I am,” Brea said in a post-workout media scrum. “I owe a lot to that program, and I carry that with me everywhere I go.”

That loyalty is rare in today’s college basketball climate, where the transfer portal, NIL deals, and coaching changes make it easy for players to drift from one opportunity to the next. But Brea is cut from a different cloth. A transfer from Dayton who blossomed into a crucial contributor under Kentucky’s new regime, Brea became one of the best shooters in the SEC and a fan favorite for his tenacity and leadership. His decision to represent Kentucky so boldly at the Combine was not a PR stunt. It was a message—to himself, to scouts, and to anyone paying attention—that his time in Lexington mattered.

Brea’s path to this point hasn’t been easy. A relatively unheralded recruit out of high school, he made his name the hard way: through hours in the gym, late-night film study, and a relentless commitment to improving his game. His three-point percentage hovered near the top of the NCAA leaderboard throughout his senior year, but it was his presence in the locker room that truly set him apart. Coaches raved about his professionalism. Teammates leaned on his experience. Fans embraced his grit.

At the Combine, Brea showed flashes of what made him so special at Kentucky. During shooting drills, he was automatic—knocking down shot after shot with a textbook release and calm composure. In scrimmage play, he moved smartly without the ball, communicated constantly on defense, and looked every bit the kind of player who could carve out a meaningful role in the NBA as a specialist. But again, it was the little things that resonated most. When he dapped up fellow players or sat for interviews, the “BBN” bracelet on his wrist was clearly visible. He didn’t hide it. He wanted it seen.

In a brief moment caught by cameras, Brea was seen chatting with another Combine participant, joking about “Cal” and how Kentucky practices were tougher than anything he’d seen in Chicago. He later clarified that he wasn’t just reminiscing for show. “It’s different at Kentucky,” he said. “There’s pressure. There’s a legacy. You either rise to it or you don’t. That kind of environment prepares you for what this is. That’s why I’m here, why I feel ready.”

It’s that self-assurance that has NBA teams intrigued. While Brea may not be a first-round pick, he’s been making a strong case to land somewhere in the second round or secure a two-way contract. He’s drawn comparisons to players like Duncan Robinson and Max Strus—not only because of his shooting, but because of the unshakeable belief he brings to the floor. The kind of belief that was forged in the fire of Rupp Arena, in late-game situations against elite competition, when one missed shot could tilt a fan base’s mood for a week.

But the Combine isn’t just about performance. It’s also a job interview, and Brea has handled it like a seasoned pro. He’s spoken with a quiet confidence in meetings, answered questions about his decision to transfer, and made it clear that Kentucky wasn’t just a stepping stone—it was the place that showed him how great he could be. “Coach Pope believed in me,” Brea said, referencing first-year Kentucky head coach Mark Pope. “He gave me the green light and trusted me to lead. That meant everything.”

His praise for Pope didn’t end there. In multiple conversations with scouts, Brea emphasized the culture shift that Pope brought to the program and how it reinvigorated his love for the game. “It wasn’t just about basketball,” he explained. “It was about building something bigger than yourself. That’s what Kentucky basketball is supposed to be. That’s what I bought into.”

The BBN, for its part, has embraced Brea as one of their own. Social media lit up when fans noticed his Kentucky wristband during the Combine broadcast. Posts flooded in with variations of “once a Cat, always a Cat,” and hashtags like #BBNinTheNBA started to gain traction. It’s no surprise. Kentucky fans are known for their unwavering support of former players, but they also have a keen sense for authenticity. They know when a player is just passing through—and when one has truly bought in.

That connection might even help Brea off the court. Several marketing reps noted the buzz around his brand since the Combine began, with some speculating that his visibility and strong Kentucky ties could lead to endorsement opportunities down the line. But Brea isn’t chasing fame. His eyes are still locked on the goal that’s driven him since his days in the Bronx: to make it to the league and stick.

“I’m not here for the cameras,” he said. “I’m here to show I can help a team win games. I’ve done it before, and I’ll do it again.”

That mentality might be his biggest asset. While others are measuring wingspans and verticals, Brea is doubling down on what’s made him successful: effort, consistency, and the ability to rise in moments that matter. He may not have the highest ceiling in the draft, but he might have one of the most reliable floors. Coaches love that. GMs love that. And fans—especially in Kentucky—can’t help but root for it.

As the NBA Draft inches closer, Brea remains grounded. He knows the process is unpredictable. He’s heard the whispers about being “just a shooter” or lacking elite athleticism. But he’s used to being overlooked. It’s nothing new. And besides, he knows he’s already proven a lot to himself. The fact that he did it while repping Kentucky, even on basketball’s biggest pre-draft stage, makes it all the sweeter.

He plans to keep that Kentucky bracelet on through draft night. “It’s part of me now,” he smiled. “It reminds me where I came from, what I’ve been through, and why I’m not backing down now.”

Koby Brea may be moving on to the next chapter, but don’t be mistaken—he’s not leaving Kentucky behind. He’s carrying it with him, every step of the way.