NBA Comparison: Joe Harris

Strengths: Sharpshooter … Brea specializes in letting it fly from deep … Considered one of the best shooters in the nation with an extremely quick release … Through 15 games, shooting just under 50% from three on a high volume and has averaged 12.3 points, 3.3 rebs per game … He loves getting to the left corner for catch-and-shoot threes … Has great range. Brea is not afraid to shoot from 25 feet or deeper, either … Defenders must guard him soon after passing half court because Brea is a threat anywhere and can shoot it at any time … If there is no hand in his face, it will be a long night for the opposing team … One way Brea loves getting off threes is by using screens. This can be off the dribble or the catch. However, he is much more comfortable shooting off the catch. He also uses ball screens to get defenders on his back and has a nice floater around the rim …  The 1 assist per game does not look impressive on paper, but he takes care of the ball and reads ball screen defenses well … He is not a player who will create opportunities for open shots but will keep the ball moving if he does not have a shot … This season, he is averaging just about .3 turnovers per game, which is in the higher percentile in the country per touches …

Weaknesses: A below average athlete by NBA standards … Brea does not have many weaknesses offensively, but struggles to move well laterally on defense … He struggles to finish at the rim because of his size, strength and lack of verticality … He can get to the rim but not exactly an above the rim finisher.  Should look to improve his shot creation, ball handling and mid-range game …  His defense is far from NBA caliber, and half of the season has already passed. Brea has a solid frame but lacks strength. To guard NBA-caliber players, he must put on some muscle. His lateral quickness is enough to hold up at the college level, but it is not the standard an NBA scout is looking for. He has been exposed by other high-level guards in the SEC who are able to blow by him on the perimeter at times … Fifth year senior, Brea does not possess the same intrigue as some younger prospects due to his age and lack of upside …

Notes: 6’7, 215 lbs. via Kentucky Wildcats website … Brea is a graduate student at 22 years old, from Washington Heights, New York … Played four seasons at Dayton before transferring to Kentucky … He opted out of NBA Draft in 2023-24 … Projected as a possible second round pick for the 2025 NBA Draft …

Matthew Blutig 1/8/25