The 2025-26 Kentucky Wildcats may have their most complete roster in years — and new addition Reece Potter is already making it clear: this team believes it can do big things.
The 7-foot-1 transfer from Miami (OH), who grew up in Lexington and starred at Lexington Catholic, isn’t just excited to be back home — he’s on a mission.
> “We always say we’re the deepest team in the country,” Potter told local media this week. “One through 15 guys, everybody can probably play anywhere in the country. Every single day, it’s a challenge. Every single day, everybody is trying to bring it, fighting for spots. Our whole team can go.”
That’s bold talk — but exactly the kind of mentality Big Blue Nation wants to hear.
Potter, now entering his third year of college basketball, brings maturity, length, and leadership to a Kentucky squad that’s returning four players from last season — including All-SEC Second Team guard Otega Oweh — while also boasting one of the nation’s most loaded transfer classes.
Add in top-tier high school recruits and international prospects, and you’ve got a Mark Pope team that’s not only deep, but also well-balanced and competitive from top to bottom.
> “My goal is to win No. 9,” Potter added. “Just trying to grow every single day.”
Potter isn’t shying away from expectations. He knows what it means to wear Kentucky across his chest. And based on what he’s seen in practice, he’s all-in on the Wildcats’ defensive potential, too.
> “We’re gonna be the best defensive team in the country, I’d probably say,” he said. “It’s gonna be a battle, who’s gonna be the Defensive Player of the Year in the SEC, because it could probably be anybody on our team.”
That kind of intensity — in early July, no less — is a great sign of what’s brewing in Lexington.
If Potter’s words prove true, Kentucky could be on track for something special in Year 2 under Coach Pope. This isn’t just a team with talent — it’s a team with belief.
November can’t get here soon enough.
