From a kid growing up in Washington Heights, New York, to hearing his name called just a few subway stops south of Manhattan at the Barclays Center, Koby Brea has achieved his lifelong dream of becoming an NBA player.
Phoenix Bound
Brea was selected with the 41st pick in the 2025 NBA Draft by the Golden State Warriors but will suit up for the Phoenix Suns after they acquired the pick via trade.
FUEGO IN THE VALLEY 🔥🏜️@kobybrea x @Suns pic.twitter.com/AHtgXAhFPn
— NBA Draft (@NBADraft) June 27, 2025
He’s coming off a standout season, having established himself as the best three-point shooter in college basketball. The fifth-year senior led the SEC and ranked ninth in the nation in three-point field goal percentage (43.5%) while playing for Kentucky in the 2024–25 season. Before transferring to Kentucky, Brea was a two-time Atlantic 10 Sixth Man of the Year at Dayton.
With his selection, Brea becomes the fifth Dominican player currently in the NBA, continuing the legacy paved by Karl-Anthony Towns of the New York Knicks and Al Horford of the Boston Celtics. He joins Lester Quiñones and Justin Minaya, who are both on two-way contracts with the Pelicans and Trail Blazers, respectively.
“Oh my God!” Brea exclaimed after being drafted. “I’m extremely proud to be able to lift the Dominican flag. Knowing that there are so many people in the country supporting me helps me understand that this isn’t just for me—it’s for my family and the entire nation.”
Brea also shared that he’s long looked up to Al Horford and Karl-Anthony Towns.
“Al and KAT have been doing it for a long time, and the way they’ve been able to stay in the league all these years is something I really want to emulate,” he said.
He also took time to thank his agent, Erika Ruiz, and his trainer, Zach Gonzales, for their dedication and support during the pre-draft process.