Notre Dame Basketball Recruiting: Irish Land Defensive Ace Brady Koehler

Four-star 2025 forward Brady Koehler announced his commitment to Notre Dame. The Indianapolis native marked the first of a quickly strengthening 2025 class for the Irish. Micah Shrewsberry just landed highly touted five-star Jalen Haralson. Though he’ll garner much of the spotlight, we shouldn’t forget about his AAU teammate Koehler, who might be one of the country’s most underrated prospects.

Playing for Indy Heat on the Nike EYBL circuit, Koehler averaged 7.2 points, 4.7 boards and 1.8 assists per game on 44.5% true shooting according to Synergy. Koehler’s counting stats don’t instantly pop off of the page like some other high level recruits, though his value on the court as a complementary option is evident. He’ll need plenty of development on the offensive end especially, which should come in time.

Brady Koehler’s elite defensive potential

Koehler defended at a high level on the EYBL circuit this summer and projects well defensively to the next levels. Koehler averaged a ridiculous 2.8 stocks (steals+blocks) per game, evidence of his monster turnover generation. Only two other players on the 17u EYBL circuit this season averaged a higher stock per game total than Koehler.

At 6’9 with excellent speed and explosion, Koehler covers tons of ground as a weak side help defender. He profiles as a modern forward defender, providing rim protection as a help side defender. Koehler swoops in to block shots and make big rotations to deter shots at the rim, a hugely valuable trait for any tall defender. His hands stay active and moving, jumping passing lanes and swarming inattentive handlers to nab steals and generate turnovers.

brady koehler averaged 2.8 stocks per game playing EYBL hoops this summer, he’s one of the best events creators in the class

explosive, rangy forward with legit instincts and awareness to blow up plays. love his defensive profile pic.twitter.com/7paq9HnSuW

— ben pfeifer (@bjpf_) September 26, 2024

His defense suffers most on the ball, especially defending in the post. Koehler’s lighter frame hurts him against burlier, stronger players down low. At this stage, Koehler simply lacks the core and lower body strength necessary to hold ground against great interior scorers, limiting his current defensive versatility.

Koehler flashes the ability to defend the perimeter at times, though he’s far from consistent in placing his feet and reacting to crossovers and jabs. Despite Koehler’s defensive improvement areas, he’s already an impactful player on that end with the potential to become much more. Koehler should walk into the building as a positive defensive contributor for Notre Dame with the potential to become elite in time.

Brady Koehler’s offensive development

His offense is much farther away from the level it has to be than Koehler’s defense. There are plenty of intriguing flashes but Koehler’s consistency in scoring the basketball leaves tons to be desired. Similarly to the defensive end, Koehler struggles to impose himself on the interior at times despite his great vertical pop; he shot 51.4% at the rim with a low 27% rim frequency this season.

Teammates create most of Koehler’s shots, as he plays a smaller, more complementary role next to the aforementioned Haralson and Jeremiah Fears. He hasn’t been a particularly efficient play finisher this point on his limited shot attempts. Koehler hasn’t been better from deep, converting 21.6% on 2.7 threes per game.

Efficiency numbers across the board tend to depress for teenage players and we’ve seen plenty of talented prospects improve in that area. Koehler’s flashes of perimeter creation could suggest real complementary offensive upside. Despite the finishing woes, Koehler attacks closeouts smoothly, winning to the rim with great speed and fluidity. He flashes some mid-range pullup capabilities and explosive finishing when stronger defenders can’t impede his movement.

brady koehler is one of my favorite underrated prospects, crazy explosive events creator with some enticing offensive skill flashes. great get for notre dame

might be a bit hot but i think there’s a non zero shot he is their best long term pro prospect from the class https://t.co/p410U80oAt pic.twitter.com/uz0jg3rTDt

— ben pfeifer (@bjpf_) September 26, 2024

Koehler’s future outlook

He’s a plus passer for his size and role as well; Koehler loves firing hit ahead passes in transition after his own turnovers and rebounds. When Koehler attacks off of the catch, he weaponizes his height to pass over and through defenses with his great vision. With more ballhandling responsibilities in the future or in a different team context, Koehler’s playmaking could flourish in a big way for a forward-sized player.

Koehler may not be ready to start for the Irish in year one or enter his name in NBA draft conversations. He’ll likely be overshadowed to some extent by Haralson and some of Notre Dame’s other players. That’s far from a negative for Shrewsberry, though, as Koehler could develop into a foundational, three or four-year piece for the Irish. They likely won’t have to worry about Koehler leaving for the pros and could focus on development.

And Koehler is worth developing. Prospects with his size, athletic tools and feel for the game often succeed. He’s experienced playing a smaller role next to high profile stars and will be playing with his AAU teammate Haralson, making for a smoother transition. If everything breaks right, Koehler possesses the ceiling of a genuine NBA prospect. 

Notre Dame development will focus on improving Koehler’s shooting especially. If he can become a threatening spacer and build off of that with closeout attacking and passing, the picture of Koehler as a winning impact two-way forward becomes much clearer.