Koby Brea didn’t start his college career in Lexington, but he left Rupp Arena as a Big Blue Nation hero. Now, the Dayton transfer turned Kentucky star could be the next Wildcat to light up the NBA — and he might do it just a short drive from home.
According to the latest mock draft from ESPN, the Indiana Pacers are projected to select Brea with the No. 54 overall pick in the second round. That’s a three-hour road trip from Lexington to Indianapolis — close enough for BBN to pack Gainbridge Fieldhouse with blue and white. For Kentucky fans still celebrating Brea’s clutch threes, it’s time to start planning the tailgate.
But it’s not just the proximity that’s got fans excited. If Brea lands in Indy, he could share the city with , the Indiana Fever’s record-breaking sharpshooter and the WNBA super star Caitlin Clark.
Two of college basketball’s deadliest three-point shooters in one city? That’s a recipe for buckets — and bragging rights.
From Dayton to Kentucky: Brea’s underdog rise
Brea’s journey to the NBA draft radar wasn’t a straight line. After four standout years at Dayton, where he earned Atlantic 10 Sixth Man of the Year honors, Brea bet on himself by transferring to Kentucky for the 2024-25 season. Under coach Mark Pope’s fast-paced, three-point-heavy system, Brea thrived, leading the SEC in three-point shooting at 43.5% and improving every facet of his game. Mark Pope raved about him, and how he always kept adding to his game.
""He's made big steps all season long, he really has. ...Sometimes the moment spurs us on to become something we've wanted to become, and for Koby, the moment was super clear. The moment for our team was super clear. It was like, guys, this is an emergency situation right now. There's actually not someone else to go to. We're using all of the guys, and now it's just time for us to be better. I think as we grow we go through fits and starts, where we plateau a little bit, we don't see it or understand it or something that's so simple, and then all of a sudden we get knocked across the head and all of a sudden we see it. But man, he's started to see it the last two games. He's been incredible. In every single practice in between, he's been incredible.""Mark Pope
Brea’s stats tell the story of a sharpshooter ready for the next level:
Koby Brea’s 2024-25 stats at Kentucky:
- Games Played: 36
- Field Goal %: 47.0
- 3-Point %: 43.5
- Free Throw %: 91.4
- Turnovers: 0.5
Source: ESPN
Compared to NBA sharpshooters like Damian Lillard or Buddy Hield, Brea’s efficiency from deep and low turnover rate suggest he’s more than a one-trick pony. Not only will he knock down a shot, he won't cost your team a possession with a bad pass or mistake. His ability to move off-ball and exploit screens fits the modern NBA’s pace-and-space era.
Why the Pacers? A perfect fit for Brea
The Pacers, coming off a playoff run in 2024 and currently up 3-1 over the top-seeded Cavs, are a young team hungry for perimeter shooting to complement stars like Tyrese Haliburton and Pascal Siakam. Brea’s 43.4% three-point shooting on five attempts a game fills a clear need to create space for driving lanes. His knack for clutch shots could make him a fan favorite in late-game situations.
“Koby Brea is our choice for breakout star that nobody is talking about. The man shoots the cover off the ball, has great size, and has much better ball skills than people realize. Keep on eye on his second contract in the league" says The Hoop Herald.
If Brea joins the Pacers, expect BBN to invade Gainbridge Fieldhouse, turning Indy into Rupp Arena North.
A wild NBA Draft: Cooper Flagg and NBA drama
Brea isn’t the only headline in ESPN’s mock draft. The Dallas Mavericks, fresh off trading Luka Dončić to the Lakers for Kentucky legend Anthony Davis, won the lottery (1.8% odds) and are projected to select Duke’s Cooper Flagg at No. 1. It’s a seismic shift for the NBA — and a reminder of how quickly the draft can reshape the league.
For Kentucky fans, though, the real story is at pick 54. Brea may be the only Wildcat in this mock, but his potential to shine in Indy is enough to keep BBN and Koby smiling.
BBN, get ready for the road trip
Koby Brea’s rise from Dayton to Kentucky to the NBA draft is a testament to his determination to be better and shooting prowess. Whether he’s draining threes for the Pacers or carving out a role as an undrafted free agent, one thing’s clear: Big Blue Nation will be cheering every step of the way.
So, BBN, are you ready to hit the road to Indianapolis? Pack your blue gear and get ready to watch Koby Brea light up the NBA.
Follow WBN for more on Brea and the Wildcats’ NBA prospects.