Reece Potter’s journey to Kentucky basketball is a homecoming story that resonates deeply with fans in the Bluegrass State. The 7-foot-1 center, who played his high school basketball at Lexington Catholic, is returning to his roots after spending two seasons at Miami (OH) University. His commitment to the Wildcats marks a significant addition to Kentucky’s roster, bringing size, skill, and a local connection that could energize the fan base.
### A Lexington Native Returns
Potter’s basketball career began just a few miles from Rupp Arena, where he starred for Lexington Catholic High School. As a senior, he averaged **17.9 points and 8.7 rebounds per game**, showcasing his ability to dominate in the paint while also demonstrating a reliable shooting touch [A](https://www.dispatch.com/story/sports/college/kentucky/2025/05/05/reece-potter-kentucky-basketball-roster-2025-26-mark-pope-recruiting-transfer-portal/82719899007/?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJLdUZLZjd3TmlDejlmeWY1dE1vS3MiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoiYWJvUnRHR2lyTW0yaGFDOU5ZOTM4IiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvd3d3LmRpc3BhdGNoLmNvbVwvc3RvcnlcL3Nwb3J0c1wvY29sbGVnZVwva2VudHVja3lcLzIwMjVcLzA1XC8wNVwvcmVlY2UtcG90dGVyLWtlbnR1Y2t5LWJhc2tldGJhbGwtcm9zdGVyLTIwMjUtMjYtbWFyay1wb3BlLXJlY3J1aXRpbmctdHJhbnNmZXItcG9ydGFsXC84MjcxOTg5OTAwN1wvIn0%3D&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1). His performances helped lead Lexington Catholic to a **32-3 overall record**, earning him a spot on The Courier Journal’s Kentucky All-State boys basketball first team for the 2022-23 season [A](https://www.dispatch.com/story/sports/college/kentucky/2025/05/05/reece-potter-kentucky-basketball-roster-2025-26-mark-pope-recruiting-transfer-portal/82719899007/?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJLdUZLZjd3TmlDejlmeWY1dE1vS3MiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoiYWJvUnRHR2lyTW0yaGFDOU5ZOTM4IiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvd3d3LmRpc3BhdGNoLmNvbVwvc3RvcnlcL3Nwb3J0c1wvY29sbGVnZVwva2VudHVja3lcLzIwMjVcLzA1XC8wNVwvcmVlY2UtcG90dGVyLWtlbnR1Y2t5LWJhc2tldGJhbGwtcm9zdGVyLTIwMjUtMjYtbWFyay1wb3BlLXJlY3J1aXRpbmctdHJhbnNmZXItcG9ydGFsXC84MjcxOTg5OTAwN1wvIn0%3D&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1).
Despite his local ties, Potter initially took his talents to Miami (OH), where he spent two seasons developing his game at the collegiate level. Across **56 games played**, he averaged **6.3 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.1 assists per game**, while shooting **45.4% from the field and 39.8% from deep** [B](https://www.on3.com/teams/kentucky-wildcats/news/7-foot-1-center-reece-potter-lexington-native-transferring-kentucky/?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJLdUZLZjd3TmlDejlmeWY1dE1vS3MiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoiYWJvUnRHR2lyTW0yaGFDOU5ZOTM4IiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvd3d3Lm9uMy5jb21cL3RlYW1zXC9rZW50dWNreS13aWxkY2F0c1wvbmV3c1wvNy1mb290LTEtY2VudGVyLXJlZWNlLXBvdHRlci1sZXhpbmd0b24tbmF0aXZlLXRyYW5zZmVycmluZy1rZW50dWNreVwvIn0%3D&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1). His ability to stretch the floor as a big man made him a valuable asset, and his experience in the Mid-American Conference helped him refine his skills against strong competition.
### Impact on Kentucky’s Roster
Potter’s arrival at Kentucky is part of head coach Mark Pope’s aggressive approach to the transfer portal. He joins a growing list of transfers, including Kam Williams from Tulane, Jaland Lowe from Pittsburgh, and Mouhamed Dioubate from Alabama [A](https://www.dispatch.com/story/sports/college/kentucky/2025/05/05/reece-potter-kentucky-basketball-roster-2025-26-mark-pope-recruiting-transfer-portal/82719899007/?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJLdUZLZjd3TmlDejlmeWY1dE1vS3MiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoiYWJvUnRHR2lyTW0yaGFDOU5ZOTM4IiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvd3d3LmRpc3BhdGNoLmNvbVwvc3RvcnlcL3Nwb3J0c1wvY29sbGVnZVwva2VudHVja3lcLzIwMjVcLzA1XC8wNVwvcmVlY2UtcG90dGVyLWtlbnR1Y2t5LWJhc2tldGJhbGwtcm9zdGVyLTIwMjUtMjYtbWFyay1wb3BlLXJlY3J1aXRpbmctdHJhbnNmZXItcG9ydGFsXC84MjcxOTg5OTAwN1wvIn0%3D&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1). This strategy aims to blend experienced collegiate players with incoming freshmen, creating a roster that is both talented and battle-tested.
For Kentucky, Potter’s size and shooting ability offer intriguing possibilities. At **7-foot-1**, he provides a strong interior presence, capable of protecting the rim and grabbing rebounds. However, his ability to shoot from beyond the arc adds a modern twist to his game, making him a versatile option in Pope’s system. His experience at Miami (OH) has prepared him for the physicality of college basketball, and his return to Lexington could see him thrive in a more competitive environment.
### The Road Ahead
As Potter transitions to Kentucky, expectations will be high. The Wildcats are looking to build a team that can compete at the highest level, and Potter’s skill set aligns well with their goals. His familiarity with the area, combined with his collegiate experience, makes him a compelling addition to the squad.
Fans will be eager to see how Potter integrates into Kentucky’s system and whether his return to Lexington will be the spark that propels him to new heights. With two years of eligibility remaining, he has the opportunity to make a lasting impact on the program. Whether he becomes a key contributor or a role player, his journey back to Kentucky is a testament to the Wildcats’ commitment to building a strong, well-rounded team.
