Koby Brea Gains NBA Draft Attention: Dayton Guard Projected as Late Second-Round Pick by ESPN

With His Elite Shooting and Smart Play, Brea Emerges as Flyers’ Lone Draft Hope

A Breakthrough Moment for Brea and Dayton

Koby Brea has officially entered the national spotlight.

In ESPN’s latest NBA Draft projections, the Dayton Flyers’ veteran guard is now projected as a late second-round pick, making him the only player from Dayton’s 2023–24 roster currently expected to be drafted. This represents a significant leap for a player who has long been admired by Atlantic 10 fans but only recently started turning heads among NBA scouts.

For Brea — a 6’6” sharpshooter with a high basketball IQ — the projection is a validation of years of growth, patience, and dedication to his craft. And for Dayton, it’s a reminder that even mid-major programs can develop legitimate professional prospects.

The Evolution of a Hidden Gem

From Washington Heights to the A-10 Spotlight

Brea’s path to NBA recognition has been anything but linear. Coming out of Monsignor Scanlan High School in New York, he was overlooked by many major programs. But Dayton saw potential — especially in his smooth shooting form and lanky frame. After joining the Flyers, Brea spent his early seasons developing in a supporting role.

By his final season, however, he was one of the most important players on the floor — a knockdown shooter who rarely made mistakes and often served as a calming veteran presence for a Flyers squad that faced stiff competition both in and out of conference.

Lethal Shooting Numbers

Brea’s statistical résumé tells the story of why NBA scouts are paying attention. In 2023–24, he shot 46.9% from three-point range — among the best percentages in Division I — while also converting over 85% of his free throws. His effective field goal percentage (eFG%) was elite for a guard, thanks to his high shot selection discipline and ability to thrive off-ball.

Whether in transition, curling off screens, or spacing the floor in half-court sets, Brea proved he could stretch defenses with ease.

A Fit for the Modern NBA

Why Teams Are Taking a Closer Look

In a draft class stacked with guard talent — from top prospects like Rob Dillingham to international stars like Nikola Topić — Brea has carved out a niche that is increasingly valuable at the next level.

He isn’t a ball-dominant guard. He’s not going to break defenders down with elite handle or finish through contact like a high-flying athlete. But he knows how to play basketball — and he excels in the details that often get overlooked: spacing, timing, decision-making, and shot efficiency.

NBA offenses thrive on floor spacing and off-ball movement, and Brea offers both in abundance. He’s the kind of player who makes a good team better without demanding touches or disrupting chemistry.

What Scouts Are Saying

Strengths: Shooting, Size, and IQ

NBA scouts are beginning to speak more openly about Brea as a viable second-round pick or priority undrafted free agent. “He’s one of the smartest players in the draft,” said one Eastern Conference scout. “You don’t have to worry about him knowing his role, taking bad shots, or making the wrong read.”

At 6’6” with a solid wingspan, Brea also offers positional size that makes him a more attractive option as a 2-guard or wing in today’s switch-heavy defensive schemes.

Weaknesses: Athleticism and Self-Creation

Still, some questions linger. Scouts have expressed concerns about his ability to defend quick NBA guards and whether he can create offense for himself off the dribble when the shot clock winds down.

His lateral quickness, physical strength, and burst — key metrics for NBA role players — will be tested in pre-draft workouts and the combine, should he receive an invite.

Standing Alone from Last Year’s Flyers

Dayton’s 2023–24 roster featured several productive players, but so far, Brea is the only Flyer projected to be selected in the upcoming NBA Draft. For a team that finished near the top of the Atlantic 10 and made waves during the regular season, that speaks volumes about the challenge mid-major players face in earning recognition.

It also underscores just how impressive Brea’s individual rise has been.

While other teammates may eventually sign summer league or overseas deals, Brea is the lone member of that group drawing draft buzz — and that could make him a proud ambassador for the Dayton program in years to come.

Preparing for the Next Step

The Pre-Draft Process

With the NBA Combine and team workouts approaching, Brea’s focus will shift toward showcasing his athleticism, refining his defensive footwork, and continuing to demonstrate his shooting consistency in front of scouts.

He’ll need to prove he can maintain his production against NBA-level defenders and compete in one-on-one drills where physical tools often separate draftable players from long shots.

A Future on the Fringe — or a Solid Spot?

Being a late second-round projection comes with no guarantees. Contracts are often non-guaranteed, and some players go undrafted despite projections. But it also means Brea is on teams’ radars — and could easily find his way onto a roster, whether via the draft, summer league, or a two-way contract.

If he lands in the right situation — a team that needs shooting, maturity, and low-maintenance contributors — Brea has the tools to stick.

Conclusion: From Underrecruited to Underestimated No More

Koby Brea’s rise is not just a personal victory — it’s a reminder of what sustained development, smart decision-making, and elite shooting can achieve. He may not have been a five-star recruit. He may not appear on every highlight reel. But his name is now in NBA conversations — and deservedly so.

As the 2025 NBA Draft draws closer, don’t be surprised if this once-overlooked guard from Dayton hears his name called. And if he does, it’ll be a proud moment for the Flyers, the Atlantic 10, and for every player who’s taken the road less traveled toward basketball’s biggest stage.