[The following scouting report is part of a series on potential 2023 draft prospects from Sports Business Classroom alumni.]

Kobe Brown
Frame: 6’7”, 240 lbs
Position: Forward
Team: Missouri
2023 Draft Age: 23
Stats via sports-reference.com

Offense

Brown improved significantly over his four college seasons, with the starkest difference coming between his junior and senior campaigns. His junior shooting splits were 48.1 percent from the field and 20.6 percent from three, relying primarily on bully ball down low for his scoring production.

But he became a more versatile weapon on the offensive end in his final college season, seeing his shooting splits skyrocket to 55.3 percent from the field and 45.5 percent from three on increased attempts.

Teams must decide if his senior season was an outlier, but the performance was enough to put him on the draft radar as a second-round prospect.

Even if the improved shooting doesn’t translate to the NBA, Brown can still score in the paint at his size. Like Colorado State and Memphis Grizzlies forward David Roddy, Brown can overwhelm defenses with a strong base and touch around the rim. B

His breakout performance came against No. 16 Illinois on Dec. 22. He led the way for Missouri with 31 points, eight assists, five rebounds and four steals on 10-for-15 from the field in a 93-71 victory. That win knocked Illinois out of the AP Top 25 for the remainder of the season.

Defense

Brown is a physically imposing defender capable of guarding shooting guards, small forwards, and power forwards comfortably.

His ability to anticipate an offensive player’s next move makes him one of the better defenders in the back half of the draft, and his strength should translate well to NBA-level defense.

Film reveals that he is vocally active as well on the defensive end. He constantly communicates with teammates and makes smart decisions on pick-and-rolls, making it difficult to attack him.

Intelligence and physical strength are a dangerous one-two punch, and as the NBA transitions to greater emphasis along the wings, players like Brown could see their value increase.

Looking Ahead

At 23 years old, Brown is one of the oldest prospects in the 2023 draft class. That may lower his stock, but there’s no denying what he brings to the table.

Defense is Brown’s calling card as he enters the league, but his offense will determine whether or not he’s an immediate contributor. If Brown is drafted, it will likely be in the back half of the second round, but that shouldn’t rule him out to make an impact.