Thursday Headlines: Koby Brea and Otega Oweh Shine at NBA Draft Combine
Chicago, Illinois — In the fast-paced, high-stakes world of the NBA Draft Combine, players don’t just audition — they fight for survival. For some prospects, it’s a chance to confirm what scouts already believe. For others, it’s an opportunity to rewrite the narrative entirely. On Thursday at Wintrust Arena, two names who weren’t considered first-round locks entering the week took full advantage of the moment: Koby Brea and Otega Oweh.
Both players came to Chicago with questions swirling. Could Brea — one of college basketball’s best three-point shooters at Dayton — prove he could compete against elite athletes? Could Oweh — a defensive-minded guard who transferred from Oklahoma to Kentucky — show enough offensive polish to elevate his stock?
By the end of the day, the answers were resounding yes.
Let’s break down the buzz around these two breakout performers and how they’ve suddenly inserted themselves into the 2025 NBA Draft conversation in a big way.
Koby Brea: From Underrated to Unmissable
The Resume
Koby Brea wasn’t a household name during the college season, largely because he played in the Atlantic 10 at Dayton, away from the glitz of high-major conferences. But scouts who watched closely knew Brea could shoot the lights out. He finished the season shooting 46.8% from three on over six attempts per game — the best mark among players with at least 150 attempts.
Still, the doubts lingered. Could he create off the dribble? Defend at the next level? Was he more than just a specialist?
Thursday, Brea answered those questions with authority.
The Combine Breakout
In scrimmage action, Brea was lights-out — scoring 18 points on 6-of-9 shooting, including 4-of-6 from beyond the arc. His off-ball movement was elite. He curled off screens like a pro, relocated with purpose, and punished defenders who went under picks. But it wasn’t just his shot-making that caught attention.
He also added 4 rebounds, 3 assists, and a steal, playing within the flow of the offense and showing vastly improved reads as a passer. On one sequence, he attacked a closeout, drove baseline, and dished to a cutting big for an easy dunk — a play he wouldn’t have made two years ago.
Even more impressive? His defensive effort.
Brea was matched up with several athletic wings and held his own, contesting shots, sliding his feet, and communicating actively. No one will confuse him with Matisse Thybulle, but he proved he can survive defensively in space.
After the performance, ESPN draft analyst Jonathan Givony tweeted:
“Koby Brea has been one of the most consistent floor-spacers all week. Big-league shooting mechanics, but more than a shooter. Making himself some real money this week.”
And that’s the point — Brea came to Chicago as a second-round hopeful. He may leave it as a late-first round riser.
What Scouts Are Saying
“I knew he could shoot, but he’s way more mature and composed than I expected,” one Eastern Conference scout told reporters. “He’s a pro. Maybe not a star, but a guy who plays in the league for 8–10 years because he knows who he is and doesn’t try to do too much.”
Another exec added, “You put him next to a ball-dominant guard like Luka [Doncic] or Ja [Morant], and suddenly he’s a perfect fit. The NBA is built for shooters like him.”
With team interviews and measurements already in his favor — he tested with a 6’8” wingspan and a 39-inch vertical — Brea may be one strong private workout away from locking up a guaranteed contract.
Otega Oweh: Defense, Grit, and Offensive Upside
The Journey
Otega Oweh’s road to the Combine spotlight has been winding.
After starting his career at Oklahoma, Oweh was a bright spot for the Sooners, averaging 11.4 points and playing standout perimeter defense. But the Sooners missed the NCAA Tournament, and Oweh decided to transfer — landing with Mark Pope and Kentucky, part of a total roster overhaul in Lexington.
Some wondered if Oweh would even stay in the draft. After all, he still has college eligibility remaining and was not widely projected in the top 60 entering Combine week.
Thursday may have changed all that.
Oweh’s Performance: Energy That Pops
In his scrimmage, Oweh was everywhere. He finished with 14 points, 6 rebounds, 3 steals, and drew two charges. He attacked relentlessly, played elite on-ball defense, and showed off improved touch around the rim. His effort stood out even in a gym filled with hungry prospects.
Perhaps the most eye-opening sequence? Midway through the second half, Oweh stripped his man at half court, dove on the floor for the loose ball, popped up, and finished with a Eurostep in transition — all within six seconds. The entire gym roared. It wasn’t just a highlight; it was a statement.
Oweh also flashed a more confident jump shot. He hit a smooth pull-up from the elbow and a corner three — both with solid mechanics. It’s not a finished product yet, but it’s ahead of where scouts expected.
Defensive Dominance
The main reason teams are intrigued by Oweh is defense. On Thursday, he guarded 1 through 3, picking up ball-handlers full court and fighting through screens like his life depended on it. He communicates, rotates on time, and takes immense pride in his defensive assignments.
“He was the best defender on the floor, period,” one Western Conference scout said. “He’s got an NBA body right now. If the offense comes along, you’ve got a serious two-way player.”
A Rising Decision: Stay in the Draft or Return to Kentucky?
Oweh’s strong Combine showing has raised a critical question: Will he stay in the draft or return to Kentucky for another year under Mark Pope?
Before the Combine, the expectation was that he’d likely come back — especially to boost his offensive stock in a featured role for the Wildcats. But after this performance, he’s firmly on draft boards. Some outlets now list him as a high second-rounder with late-first potential depending on workouts.
According to sources close to the situation, Oweh is keeping his options open and plans to participate in team interviews and workouts over the next two weeks before making a final decision.
From a financial standpoint, both options are strong. If he stays in school, Kentucky’s NIL setup could offer high six-figure compensation. If he goes pro, even a two-way deal puts him on an NBA trajectory.
But as one scout said: “He’s going to make a lot of money eventually. The question is whether he wants to start developing in the NBA right now or take another year to polish and maybe become a first-rounder.”
Either way, Thursday proved he belongs.
Other Standouts From Thursday
While Brea and Oweh grabbed headlines, Thursday’s scrimmages and drills featured other notable performances:
- Tristen Newton (UConn) continued to show his do-it-all game, finishing with 12 points, 8 assists, and a game-high +14 in plus-minus.
- Jaylon Tyson (Cal) impressed with his shot-making, putting up 17 points and flashing real versatility on both ends.
- Hunter Sallis (Wake Forest) had perhaps the best defensive performance outside Oweh, recording 4 steals and disrupting passing lanes all afternoon.
- Antonio Reeves (Kentucky) quietly had a strong outing, scoring 13 points on efficient shooting and showing improved passing.
Still, no one made quite the same impact as Brea and Oweh — especially considering the expectations.
Draft Implications: Movement on the Big Board
The performances of Brea and Oweh aren’t just feel-good stories — they’re stock-changing events.
Brea, previously seen as a mid-to-late second rounder, now has momentum toward the back end of the first round. Teams looking for shooting off the bench — think Milwaukee, Boston, or Phoenix — are reportedly intrigued.
Oweh, once viewed as a return-to-school candidate, is now being evaluated for two-way and guaranteed contracts. His motor, defense, and intangibles make him a strong culture fit for rebuilding franchises or contenders needing depth.
If either player continues this trajectory through private workouts, their names may be called much earlier than expected on draft night.
Stars Rising at the Right Time
The NBA Draft Combine doesn’t always produce viral highlights or shake up the lottery — but it does reveal something vital: Who’s ready to compete.
On Thursday, Koby Brea and Otega Oweh showed they belong in that conversation. Not just as prospects, but as professionals. They played hard, played smart, and made winning plays — the kind that coaches and GMs remember.
Whether or not Oweh stays in the draft or returns to Kentucky, his performance has changed the perception around him. The same goes for Brea, who may be on his way from A-10 anonymity to NBA rotation player.
In a world of hype and highlight reels, sometimes the biggest winners are the ones who just show up, lock in, and shine when it matters most.
