Then one player jumped out at Pope — Dayton transfer Koby Brea.
“He was just perfect for us in so many ways. We are talking about who we need at lead guard, shooting guards, wings and 5 (center) and I said, ‘Guys (coaches) we have got to go get him,’” Pope said.
Brea is a two-time Atlantic 10 Sixth Man of the Year and shot 49.8 percent from 3-point range last year when he averaged three made 3’s per game.
He has played in 113 games with 21 starts and helped Dayton win 85 games the last four years. He averaged 11.1 points, 3.8 rebounds and 1.2 assists per game last season.
“He has the size, length and mobility you want along with being deadly from 3,” Pope said. “He can find ways to get his shot off and we are so glad to have him. He was the most efficient mid-to-high major 3-point shooter in the country last year. He’s a beautiful piece for us.
“He’s from the Dominican Republic. His dad is the salt of the earth. He had an injury-filled third year at Dayton, had surgery after the year ended and spent most of the summer before his fourth year in a wheelchair.
“He had a massive surgery and came back and had one of the most efficient single seasons by a mid or high-major player in over a decade at 1.33 points per possession,” the UK coach said. “He is what we were looking for as a person, teammate, worker and talent. So you’ve got to believe in a guy like that.”
Kentucky fans will get a chance to see him in the Blue-White Event Friday or Big Blue Madness Oct. 18.
