LEXINGTON, KY – Kentucky Wildcats rising sophomore center Reece Potter is entering the upcoming college basketball season with one clear goal: bringing a national championship back to Lexington.
After a year of growth, development, and watching from the sidelines, the 7-footer is ready to emerge as a central figure in Mark Pope’s new-look Kentucky roster. With a blend of elite size, improved mobility, and a soft shooting touch, Potter has become one of the team’s most intriguing breakout candidates heading into the 2025–26 season.
“I’ve been working nonstop this offseason — in the gym, weight room, film room. I want to do everything I can to help this team win it all,” Potter said after a recent open practice. “There’s nothing more important to me right now than cutting down nets with this group.”
Standing at 7-foot-1, Potter has put on additional muscle since arriving in Lexington last year, earning praise from coaches and teammates for his commitment to strength and conditioning. While he redshirted last season to focus on development, those behind the scenes say Potter has made massive strides — especially in his rim protection, footwork, and pick-and-pop efficiency.
Kentucky’s coaching staff, led by head coach Mark Pope, has emphasized a modern offensive system that rewards bigs who can stretch the floor and defend multiple actions. Potter checks those boxes — and then some.
“He’s locked in,” Pope said. “Reece is hungry, and he understands the tradition of Kentucky. He wants to win, he wants to represent the state with pride, and I think fans are going to love what they see from him this year.”
With Pope’s deep transfer class, an influx of veteran leadership, and a talented group of returners like Potter, Kentucky is generating early buzz as a dark-horse contender for the 2026 NCAA title. Analysts point to Potter’s development as a potential X-factor for how far this team can go.
If Reece Potter has his way, “number nine” could soon be hanging in the rafters.
🏀 #KentuckyBasketball | #KentuckyWildcats | #BBN | #ReecePotter | #ChasingNine
