Petaluma’s Potts signs for Oregon Tech

Petaluma High School basketball standout Joey Potts carefully weighed his options and, ultimately, decided his first choice was his best choice.

Potts made official last week what had been rumored for more than a month - he is going to continue his education and his basketball at Oregon Institute of Technology in Klamath Falls.

With family and teammates looking on, Potts signed a letter of intent, accepting a full scholarship to play for the Oregon school.

Potts said he made his decision following a second visit to the school.

“I really like the campus. I could see myself living there,” he explained. “I couldn’t pass up the opportunity. They offered me a full ride. It was hard not to take it.”

Potts, who stands 6 feet, 8 inches, but needs to beef up, said the Oregon Tech coaches have given him a strength and diet program. “There will be a lot of weights and a lot of basketball,” he noted.

He said whether or not he plays as a freshman “depends on how the summer goes.”

“I want to work hard and play four solid, good years,” he explained.

Now that the decision has been made, Potts said a lot of stress has been removed, but there is still some sadness as he leaves his Petaluma teammates, friends and coaches.

“I love the school and the basketball program. I’ve had a lot of fun this year. The team turned into my family,” he said in an earlier interview.

Potts led Petaluma to a 16-13 record and a second-place finish in the Sonoma County League. He dominated the paint on offense and defense, showed 3-point shooting range and delighted fans with thunderous dunks.

Petaluma coach Scott Behrs is convinced Potts can play at the next level.

“He can absolutely play in college,” Behrs said. “It is going to be fun to watch him as he develops as a basketball player and young man.

“Joey has been a model athlete and a model student. I couldn’t be prouder of him.”

Potts is the son of Bo Potts and Jodie Graham.