Battle on the Border” begins tonight

In front of family and friends, Nathanial “Giddy” Potts made his verbal commitment to Middle State University official Thursday.

Potts put pen to paper on the second day of college basketball’s spring signing period. Following a recruiting visit, the Athens senior verbally committed to the Conference USA school in early March.

“I just felt like it was a great place for me,” said Potts. “It felt like family when I went down there. The coaches said they want to be a father figure for me.”

The 6-1 guard averaged nearly a double-double with 20.8 points, 8 rebounds and 3 assists per game this season. A Class 5A First-Team All-State selection, he was a finalist for 5A Player of the year and Mr. Basketball.

At Wednesday’s Player of the Year luncheon, Potts was named to the ASWA Boys Super 5 All-State Team.

“You can look back in the school’s history books, and he’s probably ranked up there in the top two or three that’s played here,” said Athens head coach Stace Tedford. “He’s had a huge impact around the state. What he’s been able to do for our school and our community has been unbelievable.”

Potts signed in a packed Athens classroom filled with teammates past and present. Potts’ mother, Tina, did her best not to cry.

“I’m glad he’s close by. I was excited about that,” she said. “He’s able to still be around Tre (Potts), to help him move on. I’m just so proud.”

The younger Potts brother, Tre, is a rising senior and already attracting interest from colleges around the South.

At MTSU, the versatile Potts said the coaches told him he will most likely play shooting guard, but could come off the bench to play point guard.

“I talked to coach Davis and coach Case yesterday,” Tedford said about Middle Tennessee State’s coaches. “They are excited about him coming there. They think he’s got a big time future in Conference USA. We’re all really excited about what the future is going to hold for him.”