Koby Brea’s minimal impact during Kentucky’s recent loss to Clemson has sparked questions among fans and analysts alike. Why did the nation’s most accurate three-point shooter sit on the bench for long stretches, especially when the Wildcats desperately needed offense in the second half? Even some members of the coaching staff seemed perplexed as they watched the fifth-year senior sit out from the 9:35 mark until the final moments, only returning with 21 seconds remaining and the Wildcats trailing by six.
Brea’s Quiet Night
Brea, who leads the nation in three-point shooting at an impressive 60.5 percent, played just 17 minutes in total, with only five of those coming after halftime. He finished the game with three points on 1-of-3 shooting (1-of-2 from beyond the arc), along with two rebounds and two assists. However, his defensive metrics told a less favorable story, as he posted a plus/minus of -15, the third-worst on the team, trailing only Kerr Kriisa (-21) and Brandon Garrison (-20).
The Judgment Call
During his weekly radio show, head coach Mark Pope addressed a fan’s inquiry about the decision to keep Brea on the bench while the team struggled to shoot just 23.1 percent (3-of-13) from three in the second half. Pope acknowledged the validity of the question, admitting that the coaching staff debated the move during the game itself.
“That’s a great question,” Pope said. “And, just so you know, we’re arguing about the same things as a staff on the bench at the time. Koby has been so good for us. He’s our most efficient points-per-possession guy—almost a 1.6—and he’s lethal. But it came down to balancing defense and offense.”
The Defensive Trade-Off
With Lamont Butler limited due to an ankle injury, Pope leaned heavily on Otega Oweh and Butler for defensive stability. This choice meant sacrificing some offensive firepower, including Brea’s elite shooting, in favor of keeping a steadier defensive presence on the floor.
“We struggled on the glass early,” Pope explained. “With Lamont being slowed by his injury, I leaned toward keeping at least one of him or Otega on the floor as a defensive anchor. That decision may not have been the right one, but it was a choice we made in the moment.”
Exploring Alternative Lineups
Pope admitted he considered experimenting with lineups to make room for Brea, including moving Jaxson Robinson to point guard—a role he’s successfully filled before. However, the coaching staff ultimately stuck with a core rotation of Robinson, Oweh, Andrew Carr, and Amari Williams, alongside Kriisa subbing in for Butler.
“We spent time thinking about putting Jaxson at the point, which would’ve given us more space for Koby,” Pope said. “It’s a juggling act. Koby is a special player, and we know how important his shooting can be.”
Lessons for the Future
While Pope stood by his in-game decision-making, he acknowledged that Brea’s benching is something he may rethink in the future.
“Your question is well-asked, my friend, and you’re thinking about the game in the right way,” Pope said. “It’s a judgment call we might take back. We’ll see moving forward.”
Looking Ahead
As the Wildcats prepare for their next matchup, the coaching staff will likely reassess how to best utilize Brea’s shooting prowess, particularly in close games where offensive efficiency is crucial. Keeping one of college basketball’s best shooters engaged and contributing could prove vital as Kentucky navigates a challenging schedule.
For fans, one thing is clear: Koby Brea’s ability to deliver from deep makes him an invaluable asset, and future games may see Pope lean more heavily on the sharpshooter to keep the Wildcats competitive.