The Drought is Over
Caleb Downs scores Ohio State’s first punt return touchdown since 2014.
The last time we saw Micah Potter play in a nationally televised game, the 2016 Ohio State signee didn't see a ton of minutes for nationally-ranked Montverde Academy.
It appears things have changed for the future Buckeye.
Potter scored 20 points, grabbed 10 rebounds and dished out four assists Monday afternoon as the third-ranked Eagles topped No. 7 Sierra Canyon (Calif.), 81-67, at the Hoophall Classic in Springfield, Massachusetts. Potter started the game at center for Montverde and logged heavy minutes.
I watched the entire game to try and break down some of the 6-foot-10, three-star big man's game. Some of the key things I saw are listed below.
Potter's all-around offensive game was quite impressive. He showed an ability to step out and knock down outside jump shots, as well as play with his back to the basket. He ran the floor hard, and also had a couple of nice passes out of the high post.
Potter still has some work to do on the defensive end as he struggled a bit to stay in front of the smaller, quicker Sierra Canyon players, at times, but that will come with more playing time and experience.
There's little doubt about his improved offensive game, though. Here you can see on one of the first possessions of the game Potter attack the offensive glass, snag the rebound and put it right back up for an easy basket.
Potter has a very well-rounded inside game as this series of next clips shows.
First, you'll seem him catch the ball with his back to the basket, turn and face his defender, then knock down a 12-foot jumper.
Later in the game, Potter caught the ball on the low block, then hit a nice fadeaway jumper out of the post with a defender right in his face.
Potter also showed his range in this next clip, stepping out to bury an uncontested 3-pointer.
Perhaps what was most impressive with Potter, though, outside of his soft shooting touch was his ability — and willingness — to pass the ball. He showed good instincts and a high basketball IQ on a number of occasions, passing up open opportunities for himself in favor of an easier look for a teammate. That's not something you see much from a big man.
The first example of Potter's passing ability came early in the game when he caught the ball well outside the 3-point line. Potter recognized his teammate had his defender sealed and saw the weakside defender shaded toward the 3-point shooter in the corner, so he played the high-low game and threw a beautiful pass over the top for an easy layup. Big-to-big passing is something every coach would love to have.
Potter also made some quick reads and showed impressive vision on a pair of touch passes near the end of the game.
Overall, it was a very impressive performance for Potter and he has shown a lot of growth in his game in just one year down at Montverde. He will bring a unique skill set to Columbus with him next season — possessing an offensive game for a big man Thad Matta hasn't had in quite some time.
"He's going to be very effective for the Buckeyes in the pick-and-pop situation," ESPN analyst Paul Biancardi said during the broadcast. "He looks impressive today. He's always had a great shooting touch, but he's just more alert, more active and he's in better shape."
