We’re Coming for No. 9”: Reece Potter Believes Kentucky Is the Deepest and Most Dangerous Team in America

“We’re Coming for No. 9”: Reece Potter Believes Kentucky Is the Deepest and Most Dangerous Team in America 🏀🔥

There’s confidence, and then there’s Reece Potter.

The 7-foot-1 Lexington native is new to the Kentucky basketball roster, but he’s not easing into the spotlight he’s sprinting toward it, arms wide open, already thinking banners and legacy.

“My goal is to win number nine,” Potter told reporters on Monday. “Just trying to grow every single day.”

Let’s be clear: this isn’t just a transfer trying to find his place. This is a life-long Kentucky fan living out a dream and now speaking it into existence.

🏀 From Fan to Floor General

Potter grew up cheering in the stands of Rupp Arena, watching Kentucky chase championships. After two productive seasons at Miami (OH), he got the call he’d waited for his whole life this time from head coach Mark Pope, not just the ticket office. One FaceTime was all it took.

Now, the former Lexington Catholic star is in the blue and white, and he’s already envisioning a run at banner No. 9.

“Once a fan, always a fan—but now, I get to help win.”

🔥 “We’re the Deepest Team in the Country”

Potter didn’t hesitate to declare what many in Lexington are already whispering.

“One through 15, everybody can play anywhere in the country,” he said. “Every single day in practice feels like an SEC game.”

And it’s not just lip service.

The 2025–26 roster is stacked. Four returning rotation players (including All-SEC standout Otega Oweh), four experienced high-major transfers, two elite mid-major additions, three four-star freshmen, and a 21-year-old international pro in Andrija Jelavić.

This team isn’t rebuilding. It’s reloaded.

“We push each other every day. That’s what will make us national champions. The competition, the chemistry, it’s all there.”

🛡️ Defense Wins Championships

Potter wasn’t done.

“We’re gonna be the best defensive team in the country,” he declared. “It’s gonna be a war for SEC Defensive Player of the Year—because it could be anyone on this team.”

That kind of belief is contagious, and it reflects exactly what Coach Pope has been building since taking over the program: grit, depth, defense, and culture.

🏆 “Number Nine” or Bust

Potter’s personal story is already inspiring—a hometown kid wearing his dream jersey. But make no mistake, he didn’t come to Lexington for a nice ending. He came for a championship.

“This isn’t just about minutes or stats. It’s about hanging banners. That’s the only goal.”

And with the level of depth and competition this team brings to practice every day, that goal doesn’t feel far-fetched—it feels inevitable.

So here we are: a new season, a new energy, and a new 7-foot believer who’s ready to bring Kentucky back to the top.

The countdown to banner No. 9 has begun. 🏀👑