LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Koby Brea continues to prove himself as a shooter. He led the nation in three-point percentage last season, hitting 49.8% (100-201) at Dayton, the highest mark in the NCAA in six seasons. And he is currently leading the country again at 52.3% (45-86).Â
Still, the reigning two-time Atlantic 10 sixth man of the year doesn't see scoring as his main role when he enters a game for the Wildcats.
"I see myself, honestly, as a spark plug, just somebody you put in the game and you're going to get a spark," Brea said after Kentucky's win over Florida on Saturday. "It's not always offensively, shooting the ball or anything. But I feel like I'm always going to make a play just to help my team. Whether it's getting rebounds or playing defense, anything. Whatever they need, I'm going to be that guy. You know, come in and give some energy."
Kentucky head coach Mark Pope has praised Brea's work on expanding his game on both ends of the floor. But it's hard to look past that pure shooting stroke. The 7-9 performance from beyond the arc in Saturday's 106-100 win over previously unbeaten Florida was the latest "wow" example.Â
"How fun is it to watch Koby Brea in the second half?" Pope said after the game. "He was magical tonight, wasn't he? You'd be hard pressed to make a real cogent argument that he's not the best shooter in the country. It's just, he's ridiculous. The way he shoots it, how he gets it off, where he shoots it, how high he shoots it. He was massively important for us.
The transfer from Dayton continues to fill it up from outside and provide energy off the bench for the Wildcats. Jan. 4, 2025. (WDRB Photo)
"He was spectacular. He's also grown immensely on the defensive end. He's also like the most beautiful kid you'll ever meet. Man, he's special."Â
For his efforts Saturday, the 6-foot-7-inch native of Washington Heights, New York, was named SEC Co-Player of the Week. His seven made threes were a career best and the second-most against a top-10 team in program history. Brea averaged 18 points and shot 60% from the field in the Wildcats two victories last week (23 points vs. Florida and 13 points against Brown).Â
It's the third weekly award for Kentucky. Andrew Carr was given the honor after UK's win over Duke and Lamont Butler was named player of the week for his 33-point outing against Louisville.Â
Kentucky is on the road for a meeting with Georgia at 7 p.m. Tuesday on SEC Network.Â
Kentucky Basketball Coverage:
- BOZICH | Kentucky confirms its SEC credentials, beating unbeaten Florida, 106-100
- BOZICH | Where do Kelsey, Pope, Calipari, May rank among 15 first-season Power 5 coaches?
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