Former Wisconsin Badger Micah Potter's 'opportunity of a lifetime'

 

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) - The United States men's basketball team is looking for its fifth straight gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Before arriving in Paris, the US team got some help getting ready from a former Wisconsin Badger, Micah Potter.

After finishing his third NBA season, Potter was planning a vacation with his wife, Elle, when he got a call from his agent, Keith Kreiter.

"He calls me and he's like, 'hey, you've been selected to be a part of the USA select team for the Olympic team,' and I was like, 'what?!,'" said Potter.

Potter says thanks in part to a recommendation from his current coach in the G League with the Salt Lake City Stars, as well as former Marquette head coach, Steve Wojciechowski recommended him for the 15-member USA Select team. Potter, as well as former Wisconsin Badger Nigel Hayes-Davis and Wisconsin native Brandin Podziemski, were selected for the team. They practice with the Olympic team ahead of the games to help them get ready. This year's team is arguably one of the best, featuring NBA greats like LeBron James, Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant.

"Being in the NBA, you compete against these guys, but all of them being in the same room, at the same time, on the same team, definitely adds an element of awe factor for sure," said Potter.

Potter, an Ohio native, enjoyed an opportunity to meet LeBron James and even do some trash-talking during shooting drills. But his experience also left the practice court. Potter, Hayes-Davis, and former NBA veteran Langston Galloway all traveled with Team USA for showcase games in Las Vegas, Abu Dahbi and London.

He didn't expect to play but got his opportunity playing and scoring against the Canadian and Serbian national teams. With 2:30 to go in the U.S. win over Canada, Potter checked in.

"My mindset going to the check-in table was score, be aggressive, don't get blown by on defense, and don't give up an offensive rebound. Just kind of the little things to make yourself look good," said Potter.

Potter knocked down his first shot attempt with a corner three.

"After the game, it's one of those things where you look back and it's just like, I hit a three for team USA and arguably the best Olympic team ever," said Potter. "Against one of the best teams in the world, in team Canada, with a lot of other NBA talent on it. After the game, it all kind of hit me, like that was a super special moment, for sure."

Potter hit another three two games later against Serbia, reenforcing his "this is what I do!' taunts in practice after doing well in shooting drills.

The experience lasted a little less than a month, but it provided memories he won't soon forget. Seeing greats like James, Curry, or Durant and the work ethic they put in day-in and day-out. But also, holding his own.

"Being able to play in these games, playing against them in practice, I never felt out of place. I never looked out of place, no one thought I looked out of place, at least to my knowledge," laughed Potter. "The confidence I got playing against these guys, it's a special feeling."

Potter takes his added confidence into a new NBA season. Potter signed a two-way deal to return to the Utah Jazz. He does so now, having had a chance to play a small role with the US national team. His first USA basketball experience.

"It was a once in a lifetime opportunity. The fact that my name was even considered was a huge honor. Putting a USA on your chest, it's - it's special," said Potter.