Thursday, December 12, 2024
The Weekly: Get top MTSU stories in your inbox by subscribing to The Weekly, a Sidelines newsletter delivered each Wednesday.

Video: Giddy Potts uses third-team status as motivation

Date:

Share post:

Photo and video by Tyler Lamb / Sports Editor

When the All-C-USA Teams were announced last Monday, JaCorey Williams was pegged a first-teamer, Reggie Upshaw was listed at second-team and Giddy Potts was awarded a third-team spot.

After averaging 15.5 points per game and knocking down a total of 69 threes on the year (2.2 per game), Upshaw, along with Williams weren’t ok with the third member of the big three dropping that low. With the C-USA Tournament later that week, the two used the announcement to motivate and fuel Potts…and it worked.

Giddy Potts shoots a 3-pointer over defenders during a game against Marshall on March 11, 2017 at Legacy Arena. (MTSU Sidelines/Tyler Lamb)

The 6-foot-2, 217 pound guard came out guns ablaze on Thursday night, dropping 14 points while connecting on 2-of-3 from downtown.

Friday was no different for Potts, as far as scoring goes. Potts poured in 14 points again, except this time he didn’t even attempt a three. a first for him all season.

The prolific shooter capped off the tournament with a 30-point outing. Potts was dialed in from behind the arc (3-of-8), but also used his quickness and strength to make big plays at the rim.

In the three days, Potts averaged 19.3 points, six rebounds and 1.3 assists per game. He shot 75 percent from the field, while going 5-of-11 from deep range (45 percent).

When it was all said and done, Potts not only showed up on the big stage, but he also took home some hardware: the tournament MVP trophy.

After the Saturday night’s game, Potts stayed humble and gave credit where it was due.

“First of all, I just want to thank Reggie and JaCorey, just letting me play with them,” Potts said. ” Last week, we were just talking about how the conference put me at third team. And we was talking about that the whole week. And they were just telling me I need to just come out here and play my game and I’ll get MVP. So I just came out and played, and I just want to thank them, my coach and my team just for that.”

Giddy Potts puts down a dunk with authority against Marshall on March 11, 2017 at Legacy Arena. (MTSU Sidelines/Tyler Lamb)

Head coach Kermit Davis also chimed in on his playmaker’s ability to use the third team status as motivation, instead of deterioration.

“Well you know he’s on this path, kind of like Reggie was,” Davis said. “He’s already made a name to be one of the very best players in the history of our school. And you know he’s such a fun guy to be around, you see his smile and that’s the way he is. He’s such a good team person. And he really did, he had a chip about being third team, and Reggie got second team. You know I never said a word to him, but that’s kind of what it was. I thought that was probably good motivation that we could use coming into the tournament.”

As the NCAA Tournament approaches this week, Potts will soon return to the stage that has made him one of the most popular and likeable guys in college basketball.

Middle Tennessee will find out their destination Sunday night during the selection show on CBS beginning at 5 p.m.

Follow MTSU Men’s Basketball beat writers Tyler Lamb (@Tlamb35) and Rusty Ellis (@RustyEllis13) on Twitter for more coverage.

For more sports stories, follow us on Facebook at MTSU Sidelines and on Twitter and Periscope at @Sidelines_Sport.

To contact Sports Editor Tyler Lamb (@Tlamb35), email [email protected].

Related articles

Oakland football secures eighth state title in 42-20 win over Houston

Feature Photo by Erin Douglas Story by Willie Phaler CHATTANOOGA, TN- The Oakland Patriots completed their 2023 revenge tour, winning the 2024 6A BlueCross Bowl, defeating the Houston Mustangs 42-20.  Oakland (14-1) and Houston (12-3) are familiar foes on the big stage, as the two schools squared off in last year’s championship game with Houston prevailing, 24-9.

MTSU basketball swept in mid-state clash with Belmont

Feature Photo by Jacob Burgess Story by Jacob Burgess NASHVILLE, Tenn - Middle Tennessee State University played a basketball...

Middle Tennessee men’s basketball wins first of four in-state games of the year

Feature Photo by Caitlyn Hajek Story by Jacob Burgess Middle Tennessee State University men’s basketball won against in-state...

Where does MTSU land on a ranking of all 134 college football teams? Hint: It’s not good.  

Feature Photo by Rusty Miller Story by Brett Walker Middle Tennessee football struggled through its first season in the Derek...