7-foot-1 center Reece Potter, a Lexington native, is transferring to Kentucky

Admin May 6, 2025

A Lexington native is coming back to the Bluegrass State.

On Monday, 7-foot-1 Miami (OH) transfer center Reece Potter committed to the Kentucky Wildcats, according to On3’s Joe Tipton. This move came together quickly, with Potter primarily hearing from UK assistant coach Cody Fueger. The big man entered his name into the portal on March 24.

Potter, who played his high school basketball at Lexington Catholic, spent his first two college seasons at Miami (OH). Across 56 games played (11 as a starter), he averaged 6.3 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.1 assists in 15.7 minutes per outing while shooting 45.4 percent from the field and 39.8 percent from deep. A rising junior, he’ll have two years of eligibility remaining.
Prior to choosing Kentucky, Potter was also hearing from the likes of North Carolina, Washington, UConn, Louisville, Dayton, New Mexico State, California, Wisconsin, and others. Out of high school, he committed to Miami (OH) over offers from schools such as Xavier, St. Louis, Western Kentucky, Indiana State, and others. Potter originally committed to Xavier, but ultimately landed at Miami (OH). While at Lexington Catholic, he served as team captain as a senior in 2022-23, where he averaged 17.9 points and 8.7 rebounds per outing.
As a true freshman at Miami (OH) in 2023-24, Potter saw 11 starts in 26 games played. He averaged six points, three rebounds, and 1.1 assists in 14.2 minutes per outing on 44 percent shooting. His numbers stayed mostly the same as a sophomore this past season: 6.5 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 1.2 assists in 17 minutes per game on 46.6 percent shooting.

Most notably, Potter showed the ability to stretch the floor. He shot 45.5 percent (15-33) from deep as a freshman and 36.7 percent (22-60) from deep as a sophomore. Potter’s best performance in 2024-25 was a 15-point, eight-rebound, two-block performance in the first round of the MAC Tournament against Eastern Michigan.

“Kentucky’s Reloaded: Breaking Down the Wildcats’ Stacked 2025-26 Roster Tracker

Kentucky basketball fans, buckle up the Mark Pope era is officially in overdrive.

The 2025–26 Wildcats roster is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing mixes of talent, experience, and upside in recent memory. With seven committed transfers and freshmen already locked in plus six returning or incoming players — Big Blue Nation has every reason to believe that Kentucky’s next squad will be dangerous, deep, and ready to contend.

Let’s break down the current state of the roster:

7 New Faces, 1 Mission: Elevate Kentucky Back to National Prominence

Coach Pope has been relentless in the portal and on the recruiting trail, assembling a class with shooting, size, and versatility. Here’s a closer look at the seven new commits:

Kam Williams (G, Tulane)

Stats: 9.3 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 1.3 APG | 48.5% FG, 41.2% 3PT
Williams brings efficient scoring and a smooth shooting stroke to the guard rotation. He’s a tough, high-IQ player who can stretch the floor and crash the boards.

Jaland Lowe (G, Pittsburgh)

Stats: 16.8 PPG, 5.5 APG, 4.2 RPG
Lowe is a dynamic, do-it-all guard and arguably the most explosive addition to the backcourt. He’ll be a playmaker with the ball in his hands and has the numbers to prove it. The shooting percentages may need a bump, but the volume scoring and passing instincts are elite.

Mouhamed Dioubate (F, Alabama)

Stats: 7.2 PPG, 5.9 RPG, 61.7% FG, 46.2% 3PT
An underrated gem, Dioubate brings physicality, rebounding, and shockingly good shooting efficiency for a forward. He’s a classic glue guy with a growing offensive game.

Jayden Quaintance (F, Arizona State)

Stats: 9.4 PPG, 7.9 RPG, 2.6 BPG
A rim protector with upside for days. Quaintance’s athleticism and defensive instincts will make him a centerpiece in the paint. His presence alone could raise Kentucky’s defensive ceiling.

Andrija Jelavić (C, Mega Basket – Serbia)

Stats: 10.8 PPG, 6.0 RPG, 1.4 APG
The international big man brings a polished offensive game and size. A modern center with shooting range (32.3% from 3), Jelavić could stretch the floor or bully down low Pope’s dream scenario.

Denzel Aberdeen (G, Florida)

Stats: 7.7 PPG, 1.7 RPG, 41.8% FG, 35% 3PT
Don’t sleep on Denzel. He’s vocal, passionate, and fearless. His recent “MAN I LOVE KENTUCKY!” quote set social media on fire, and his role could blossom under Pope’s guard-friendly system.

Reece Potter (C, Miami OH)

Stats: 6.5 PPG, 3.7 RPG, 36.7% 3PT
A true 7-footer with shooting touch. Potter brings size and spacing a rare combination. He’s a long-term upside play who could surprise early.

The Core Returns: Continuity Meets Growth

Kentucky isn’t starting from scratch. Several key pieces are coming back — and they’re ready to build on the foundation they’ve laid.

Otega Oweh (G)

Stats: 16.2 PPG, 4.7 RPG, 1.7 APG | NBA Draft Process
Oweh is testing the NBA waters, but if he returns, he’s an instant team leader and potential All-SEC performer. He’s explosive, physical, and experienced everything Pope wants in a lead guard.

Brandon Garrison (C)

Stats: 5.9 PPG, 3.9 RPG, 1.9 APG
A versatile big with passing ability, Garrison confirmed he’s returning. His feel for the game and growth curve make him a high-impact rotation piece.

Collin Chandler (G)

Stats: 2.7 PPG, 1.0 RPG, 34.7% 3PT
Chandler is everyone’s breakout candidate. After a redshirt year and offseason grind, his confidence is growing and his FaceTime call to Coach Pope mid-interview is already a fan-favorite moment.

Trent Noah (F)

Stats: 2.7 PPG, 1.9 RPG, 45.1% FG
Noah is a homegrown sniper with toughness and underrated athleticism. His shooting and team-first mentality make him a valuable piece in any lineup.

Freshmen to Watch

Malachi Moreno (C, Great Crossing HS, KY)

One of the top in-state bigs, Moreno brings shot-blocking, rebounding, and potential. He’ll compete for minutes early, especially if Oweh stays in the draft.

Jasper Johnson (SG, Overtime Elite)

A silky scorer with a smooth release and next-level potential. Johnson’s ready to light it up from Day 1 and he’ll be a crowd favorite with Lexington roots.

The Big Picture: Is Kentucky Back?

It’s early, but the signs are clear: Coach Pope isn’t building a one-year wonder — he’s creating a machine. The mix of transfers, returning players, and freshmen offers depth, experience, and upside.

There’s no shortage of storylines: