Mark Pope says Koby Brea will be the 'key' to Kentucky next season

When Kentucky landed a commitment from Dayton transfer guard Koby Brea, it got the best shooter in the country ... and more.

Brea led the nation shooting 49.8 percent from three and hit 100 3s on the year.

But, according to Kentucky head coach Mark Pope, Brea will be way more than just a shooter in Lexington. In fact, he'll be the 'key' to the Wildcats being able to run the style of offense Pope wants.

"He will be key in allowing us to play the style of basketball that we love the most," Pope said. "Koby and this group are going to take Big Blue Nation on an incredible ride.”

While Brea is more than a shooter, it's his shooting ability that's going to open up the entire offense for Pope. He hit 16 3s that were deeper than 25 feet. So right away, his ability to fire from anywhere on the floor is going to spread the defense and allow for bigger driving lanes for the talented guards around him.

Even better though is his ability to play off the ball -- which is extremely lethal. He ranked in the 100th percentile, with an 83 percent effective field goal rate. He also ranks in the 96th percentile in spot up shots, scoring 1.47 points per possession.

That's going to pair perfectly with new point guard Kerr Kriisa in the fold.

Brea averaged 11.1 points, 3.8 rebounds and 1.2 assists this season.

“By the numbers, Koby Brea is the most efficient mid-to-high major player in college basketball in the last decade,” Pope added “He’s the best returning shooter in college basketball next year. Koby is a dangerous, dangerous man who is a great human with an incredible family."

In addition to Brea and Kriisa are Lamont Butler and Otega Oweh as the transfer guards that Kentucky added this spring.