Not Punk’d: Reece Potter Thought Kentucky’s Offer Was a Prank — Now He’s Living the Dream in Lexington

Not Punk’d: Reece Potter Thought Kentucky’s Offer Was a Prank — Now He’s Living the Dream in Lexington 💙🏀

LEXINGTON, KY — When 7-foot-1 center Reece Potter first got a message from Kentucky basketball assistant coach Cody Fueger, he didn’t celebrate. He didn’t even believe it.

“I didn’t believe it thought it might be a prank,” Potter said during his introductory media session Monday at the Joe Craft Center. “I showed my dad and said, ‘I think Kentucky just reached out to me.’ And he goes, ‘Nah, you’re lying.’”

This wasn’t a joke. This was real. And now, Potter is exactly where he always dreamed he’d be wearing the Kentucky jersey, back in his hometown, suiting up for the school he grew up idolizing.

🏀 A Wildcat’s Dream Come True

A Lexington Catholic star and 2023 Kentucky Mr. Basketball finalist, Potter was a known name in the Commonwealth. But his journey to Kentucky took the scenic route. After two seasons at Miami (OH), where he averaged 6.3 points and 3.4 rebounds while hitting nearly 40% from three, Potter entered the transfer portal in search of a bigger stage.

“I always wanted to play at the highest level,” Potter said. “At Miami we were chasing MAC titles and upsets, but that was never really my mindset. I wanted to compete to be the best. That’s always been the goal.”

When Mark Pope and his staff reached out, Potter’s childhood dream began to feel real and his longtime friends and fellow Kentucky stars Malachi Moreno and Jasper Johnson weren’t shy about pushing him to take the leap.

“They were like, ‘Finally.’ They told me if I didn’t commit soon, they’d show up at my house and make me.”

🔁 From Mid-Major Standout to SEC Showdown

Potter’s résumé at Miami was solid, but he knows Kentucky will push him in ways he’s never experienced. And he welcomes it. In practice, he’s battling against Jayden Quaintance (a projected NBA lottery pick), Brandon Garrison, and high school rival turned teammate Malachi Moreno.

“Every day in practice feels like an SEC game,” Potter said. “You see something crazy every single day. I’m going to learn and grow my game—get stronger, smarter, better.”

His development will be guided by Pope’s track record with big men, especially Amari Williams, who blossomed at Kentucky last season before getting drafted by the Boston Celtics.

🎯 The Right Fit at the Right Time

Coach Mark Pope is excited about what Potter brings—size, skill, and an understanding of what it means to represent Kentucky.

“Reece is a lengthy big who has a unique combination of mobility and skill,” Pope said. “He fits into what we do exceptionally well. And most importantly, he truly understands what it means to wear the Kentucky jersey.”

Potter believes his versatility will shine in Pope’s system.

“I feel like I shoot it at a high level and can pass, too. Pope likes that—he used Amari and BG last year in more of a ‘point-center’ role. That’s how the game’s evolving, and I feel like I can thrive in that.”

💙 Full Circle

Potter once trained with former Kentucky center Daniel Orton, imagining what it might be like to wear the same jersey. Now it’s real. From pretending in his driveway to practicing in Rupp Arena it’s all happening.

“It’s been a blast. Everything I dreamed of as a kid—it’s been unreal,” Potter said, smiling. “It’s not just about making it to Kentucky. It’s about winning. That’s what I came here to do.”

From prank-worthy disbelief to playing for a national title contender, Reece Potter’s journey has come full circle. And now, he’s ready to write the next chapter this time, not as a fan watching from the stands, but as a Wildcat ready to leave his mark on history.