Film Room: Reece Potter

Just as one Bluegrass native exited the program another one was welcomed to the family. After 24 hours or so of rumors, Reece Potter committed to Kentucky on Monday, March 5th. The 7’1″ center from Miami (OH) starred at Lexington Catholic before playing two years with the Redhawks. Big Blue Nation had a special connection to Travis Perry. Being the all-time leading scorer in KHSAA history certainly carries a different level of mystic. However, Potter might have a more intriguing upside. There simply aren’t many 7’1″ centers that have shot 39.8% from three-point range in their collegiate career. What, if any, role the big man ever plays at Kentucky remains to be seen, but having someone with his size and skill in the fold is never a bad thing.

Halfway through his freshman season, Potter earned a starting spot for the Redhawks. In expanded minutes his three-point shooting from the center position really shined. He went on to shoot 15-33 (45.5%) as a freshman. Then, as a sophomore, he nearly doubled the volume while still making 36.7% of his attempts. Potter isn’t the strongest or most physical big man in the country by any means. His 7’1″ and 215 pound frame simply doesn’t allow for that. However, he does move pretty fluidly for his size and his ability to stretch the floor really puts the opposing defense in some unique and uncomfortable positions. As a sophomore, Potter averaged 6.5 points and 3.7 rebounds in 17 minutes per game for the 25-9 Redhawks.

As always, we’ve been hard at work in the KSR Film Room breaking down Kentucky’s latest addition. Reece Potter, most likely, will be the final addition to the Wildcats’ roster filling it out at 13 bodies. The 7’1″ center with two years of eligibility remaining brings an intriguing ability to stretch the floor. Across two seasons at Miami (OH) he shot 37-93 (39.8%) in 56 games. However, he isn’t just a pick-and-pop threat. Potter is useful on the roll and can slip to the basket for a dunk. Defensively he commands attention around the rim as a shot blocker as well. His 5.0% block rate last season at Miami (OH) would have been second to only Amari Williams (6.1%) on Kentucky’s team. The addition of the Lexington native adds more depth to a loaded Wildcats’ front court. Let’s dive on in and take a closer look at Reece Potter’s game.

Interior Scoring

It is easy to get excited about what Reece Potter can bring to the table as a shooter. However, at the end of the day, he is still a 7’1″ center. In order to play meaningful minutes he will have to be able to utilize that size and score around the basket. At Miami (OH) he proved to be effective as an interior scorer in a variety of ways. Potter is a high IQ cutter, comfortable on the roll, and good out of the dunker’s spot. These next couple of clips will serve as a glimpse into how he can be used around the basket.

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This is a good, old-fashioned diagonal backscreen for the 5-man. There is obviously nothing special about this clip. It is simply a 7’1″ center catching a pass, turning, and dunking. However, the key is how quickly it all happens for Potter. He is able to create separation off of the diagonal backscreen, get a clean catch, and elevate to finish all while absorbing contact in the back. This type of finish showcases his fluidity despite his size and thin frame.

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Miami (OH) utilized Reece Potter as a ballscreener quite a bit. He obviously has the ability to pick and pop, but in this clip you see him on a bit of a delayed roll. The defense switched the ballscreen, something they will do often to take him away on the pick-and-pop. However, Potter’s new defender was too focused on watching the basketball and the big man was able to slide behind him for a catch and tough left-handed finish. His balance and patience on this off-hand finish is impressive.

Three-Point Shooting

This is why Reece Potter had some real value in the transfer portal. Let’s face it, he averaged 6.5 points and 3.7 rebounds in 17 minutes per game as a sophomore at Miami (OH). Normally, that wouldn’t jump off of the page to high-major programs. However, when you are 7’1″ and shoot 37-93 (39.8%) from three-point range in 56 game some people are going to take notice. Coach Pope has clearly targeted versatile, skilled front court pieces this offseason and Potter is another one that fits the bill.

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Opposing defenses have to come all of the way out beyond the arc to guard Reece Potter or he is going to shoot it in from three-point range. Here you see the Redhawks get into some Princeton action. Potter pops for the catch and they get into their “two-man side” action, but Potter’s defender is too far off of him. The big man lets it fly and nails the face-up three-point attempt. He really helps to stretch the defense and space the floor when he is in the game.

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These are the plays that college coaches across the country saw on film and got intrigued by. Potter sets the ballscreen, re-screens, and then pops. His defender recovers, but is a step slow and has his hands down. The 7’1″ big man has the ability to shoot it in if you the defense isn’t all of the way up taking him away from three-point range. Obviously, at his size, he can get off a pretty clean attempt almost whenever he wants.

Rim Protection

Reece Potter doesn’t have the rim protection skills of Jayden Quaintance. In actuality, he probably isn’t as advanced as Brandon Garrison, Malachi Moreno, or even Mouhamed Diaboute. However, the 7’1″ center did post a block rate of 5.0% which would have been second on Kentucky’s team last season behind only Amari Williams (6.1%). Potter stands his ground well in the post, has good enough footwork to recover from a hedge or slide across the lane as an off-ball defender, and possesses the obvious length to be disruptive at the rim. He likely won’t be a dominant force inside, but as a depth piece, he is more than servicable.

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When you are 7’1″ learning to consistently play with your hands up around the basket is over half of the battle. You can tell that Potter has been coached to do so. In this clip you see him “wall up” effectively against the Eastern Michigan offensive player, use his chest to be physical against the opponent’s shoulder, and then block the shot attempt with his left hand. Then, just as impressive as the defensive play, look at how quickly he flips the switch and sprints on the rim run. That little detail is really exciting to see on film.

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Here you see some of Reece Potter’s short burst quickness, agility, and ability to close down on a defender. He was out blitzing a ballscreen on the perimeter, but was able to recover and block the shot attempt from behind on the block without fouling. That is a good amount of ground for someone his size to cover. Potter isn’t always the best at playing without fouling, but at least you get a good flash here.

Reece Potter Evaluation

The list of 7’1″ centers that shoot, essentially, 40% from three-point range is not long at all. That is what Reece Potter brings to the table for the Kentucky Wildcats. His statistics through two seasons at Miami (OH) may not jump off of the page. However, there is some upside to work with as he gets stronger and transitions to the highest level of college basketball. Potter moves relatively fluidly for his size, but will absolutely need to add strength in order to function in the Southeastern Conference. Aside from standing at the front of the rim and blocking shots there will be a defensive learning curve as well. The pick-and-pop ability is real though. That, along with being 7’1″, makes him a great depth piece for an excellent Kentucky front court.