Mary & Al Schwarz Hall of Fame
Vitaly Potapenko, at the time of his induction, was the school's 15th all-time leading scorer with 1,113 points in 56 games, averaging 19.9 points per game. He currently ranks 22nd on the all-time scoring list.
During his college career, the Ukraine native was named MCC first team and team MVP in 1995 and 1996 as well as MCC Newcomer of the Year in 1995. He led the Raiders in rebounding both seasons with 6.4 and 7.4 rebounds a game, respectively.
At the time of induction, on the career lists he ranked in the top ten for field goal percentage, free throws made and attempted, rebound and scoring average and blocks. He remains in the top ten in field goal percentage, free throws made, and rebound and scoring average. His 575 points in 1995 ranks as the best sophomore season ever. In 1996, he was named WSU's Athlete of the Year.
The 6’10” forward was the 12th overall pick by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 1996 NBA Draft, and continued a lengthy professional career playing for the Boston Celtics, Seattle SuperSonics, and Sacramento Kings. Potapenko has recently returned to Cleveland where he is now the Assistant Director of Player Development for the Cavaliers.
