Koby Brea’s Shooting Mastery Just the Beginning, Says Coach Mark Pope
Koby Brea has already established himself as one of the premier shooters in college basketball, earning accolades for his impressive ability to knock down shots from all areas of the court. Yet, according to his head coach, Mark Pope, Brea’s current shooting prowess is only the tip of the iceberg. Despite being one of the most accurate shooters in college basketball, Pope sees a wealth of untapped potential in his star player, suggesting that Brea’s growth as a complete player could take him to even greater heights.
Brea’s shooting skills have garnered plenty of attention in recent seasons. With his smooth stroke, deep range, and consistency, the 6-foot-5 guard has become a nightmare for defenders across the country. Whether it’s a catch-and-shoot three-pointer, a mid-range jumper, or even a pull-up shot off the dribble, Brea has proven to be an elite marksman. His shooting percentages reflect that, and he’s often the player opponents focus on when devising their defensive game plans. In fact, many consider him to be the best shooter in college basketball at the moment, but Pope isn’t satisfied with stopping there.
“I think the world has seen Koby’s shooting, and it’s been really impressive,” Pope remarked. “But I truly believe we’re only scratching the surface of what he can become. He has the potential to be so much more than just a shooter.” Pope’s comments reflect a coach who is deeply invested in Brea’s development, not just as a shooter but as an all-around player capable of dominating in multiple facets of the game.
For Brea, this development starts with consistency and discipline in his approach to the game. Pope has been working closely with him to refine aspects of his game that extend beyond simply hitting shots. “He’s already a special player, but what sets him apart is his ability to keep growing. We’re working on his defense, his playmaking, and making him more of a dynamic offensive threat,” Pope explained. “His shooting is an incredible asset, but as he continues to round out his game, we’re going to see even more from him.”
One area Pope has highlighted as crucial to Brea’s growth is his defensive ability. While Brea is known for his offensive firepower, developing into a two-way player could elevate his game to a new level. Pope is emphasizing Brea’s ability to guard multiple positions, stay engaged on the ball, and contribute more on the defensive end. “Defense is something Koby’s really focusing on right now. He has the physical tools to be a lockdown defender, and if he can translate that to the game, it will make him even harder to stop.”
Additionally, Pope is pushing Brea to develop his playmaking skills, asking him to create more opportunities for his teammates. While Brea’s primary role has been as a shooter, Pope sees his ability to make plays off the dribble as an area where he can make a significant impact. “We’ve been talking a lot about his decision-making, his passing, and how he can use his scoring threat to set up his teammates,” Pope said. “If Koby can become more of a playmaker, it will make him even more dangerous.”
Brea’s work ethic has always been a hallmark of his game, and he’s fully committed to evolving. He understands that while his shooting is already elite, the next step in his journey is about rounding out his game. “I know my shooting is something I can hang my hat on, but I want to keep improving in all areas,” Brea said. “I want to help my team win in any way possible, whether it’s scoring, defending, or making plays for others.”
As the season progresses, Koby Brea’s growth will be something to watch closely. While his shooting ability will undoubtedly remain a major weapon, the evolution of his game into a more complete player is something that could redefine his future in college basketball. With Coach Pope’s guidance and Brea’s relentless work ethic, the sky is the limit for this rising star. The best may very well be yet to come.