Former Lexington Catholic basketball star Reece Potter transferring to Kentucky
Former Lexington Catholic High School star Reece Potter is coming back home. Potter — a 7-foot-1 center who spent the last two seasons playing at Miami (Ohio) — committed to Mark Pope and the Kentucky basketball program out of the transfer portal on Monday afternoon. Potter played in 56 combined games over the last two seasons for the RedHawks.
Former Lexington Catholic basketball star Reece Potter, a towering 7-foot-1 center, is making a highly anticipated return to his roots, announcing his transfer to the University of Kentucky. Potter, who spent the past two seasons at Miami (OH), will join the Wildcats for the upcoming season, adding significant size and potential to Coach Mark Pope’s roster.
Potter’s journey to Lexington is a homecoming of sorts. He was a standout player at Lexington Catholic High School, where he developed into a highly-touted prospect known for his shot-blocking ability and developing offensive game. His decision to initially commit to Miami (OH) was a significant moment for the RedHawks program, but the allure of playing for the flagship university in his home state has ultimately brought him back.
During his time at Miami (OH), Potter showed flashes of his potential. As a freshman, he averaged around 3 points and 2 rebounds per game, primarily coming off the bench. In his sophomore season, he saw an increased role, averaging closer to 6 points and 4 rebounds per contest, demonstrating improvement in his overall game. He showcased his rim protection skills and his ability to finish around the basket.
The transfer to Kentucky presents a significant step up in competition and exposure for Potter. The SEC is one of the premier basketball conferences in the nation, and playing for a program with the history and expectations of Kentucky will push him to elevate his game. Under the new leadership of Mark Pope, who has emphasized building a roster with size and versatility, Potter fits a clear need.
For Kentucky, adding a player of Potter’s size is crucial. The modern game still values a true center who can protect the paint, rebound effectively, and provide an interior scoring threat. While Potter may not be expected to be an immediate star, his presence provides depth and a different dimension to the Wildcats’ frontcourt. His development under the Kentucky coaching staff will be closely watched.
Potter’s decision also highlights the increasing trend of players returning to their home states or regions via the transfer portal. For many athletes, the opportunity to play in front of friends and family, and represent their local community on a grand stage, is a powerful draw.
Fans of both Lexington Catholic and Kentucky are undoubtedly excited about this move. For Lexington Catholic supporters, it’s a proud moment to see one of their own come full circle and join the Wildcats. For Kentucky fans, it’s the addition of a promising big man with local ties, who has the potential to contribute to the team’s success in the coming years.
While the transition to the SEC will be a challenge, Reece Potter’s return to Lexington is a compelling storyline and a valuable addition to the Kentucky basketball program. His development and impact on the team will be a key point of interest as the Wildcats prepare for the upcoming season.
