Kobe Brown Declares for NBA Draft
Missouri Tigers fans have been holding their breath, hoping that Kobe Brown would continue his legendary career with the program. However, with his recent announcement on Twitter that he is entering the 2023 NBA Draft, it looks like the end may be near for the dynamic forward. Brown‘s decision to maintain his last year of eligibility in case things don’t go according to plan shows just how much he values his education and future beyond basketball. Regardless of what the future holds, Tiger fans will always remember the impact Brown had on the program, leading them to their first tournament win in over a decade.
Despite being ranked as only the 239th-best player in the country in 2019, Dru Smith Brown quickly proved his worth to former head coach Cuonzo Martin. His impressive performance on the court earned him more playing time, and by his junior year, Brown became a regular starter for the Tigers. Even when Coach Martin was fired after a disappointing season, Brown didn’t lose faith in the program. Instead of transferring, he chose to stay at Mizzou and welcomed new head coach Dennis Gates with open arms. With his talent and loyalty, Brown is sure to continue shining on the court and leading the Tigers to victory.
Kobe Brown’s improvement during his time under Gates was nothing short of remarkable. He went from posting average numbers to recording career-highs in both points per game and field goal percentage. However, it was his three-point percentage that really stood out, soaring from a mediocre 20.6% to an impressive 45.5%. This surge helped lead the Tigers to a 25-10 record and an NCAA Tournament bid. While projections have him slipping to the second round of the draft, his drastic improvement between seasons is sure to catch the attention of NBA executives. Regardless of where he lands, Brown can be proud of his contributions during his time as a Tiger, averaging 10.8 points per game, 6.0 rebounds per game, and 1.7 assists per game.