Tarris Reed Jr. had a solid first season with the UConn Huskies after transferring from Michigan. Can he make another big leap as a senior?
UConn’s Tarris Reed Jr. Set To Have Dominant Senior Season
Before the 2022-23 season, Tarris Reed Jr. entered college as a top-100 recruit, originally committing to the University of Michigan. Reed Jr. received limited playing time as a freshman but made 31 starts as a sophomore and averaged a solid 9 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 1.9 combined steals and blocks in 26.6 minutes per game.
Unfortunately, Michigan performed poorly, finishing 8-24, resulting in the dismissal of Juwan Howard. Shortly after, Reed Jr. entered his name in the transfer portal and eventually committed to UConn before the 2024-25 season.
Tarris Reed Jr. showed flashes of potential this past season
This past season, Tarris Reed Jr. had to battle for playing time with Samson Johnson, who recently signed with the Indiana Pacers this past offseason. Despite appearing in 35 games, Reed Jr. only made one start and averaged 19.9 minutes. However, there was plenty to like. Despite playing fewer minutes than his last season at Michigan, Reed Jr. averaged a career-best 9.6 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 2.3 combined steals and blocks per game.
Most importantly, Reed Jr. was significantly more efficient as a scorer, as he raised his free throw percentage to 64.4%, an improvement of 5.8% from the previous season. He also had a career-best 67% eFG%, a very impressive number in a competitive Big East conference with high-level centers. While Reed Jr. will have to cut down on his fouls per game (2.7 this past season), it was encouraging how much force he played with to close the season.
Tarris Reed Jr. is in a prime position for increased playing time
While incoming 4-star freshman Eric Reibe is expected to have a big future with the Huskies, Dan Hurley typically trusts more experienced big men in the starting five. Similar to players such as Adama Sanogo and Donovan Clingan in the past, Reed Jr. is in line for increased playing time this season.
Despite many positives from this past season, Dan Hurley believes Reed Jr. still has another level to reach. In an August interview with the New Haven Register, Hurley gave Reed Jr. very strong praise but recognized the need for more consistency.
“He moves better than most guards laterally, running, vertical athleticism, off the boards. He checks every box. With him, it is motor. It is intensity. It is warrior mentality. It is discipline. It is losing your technique and fundamentals at times. If this guy puts it all together, he is as good a center as there is the country.”
Given the recent track record of success for UConn centers, this is a glowing endorsement from Dan Hurley. With another offseason in Storrs, there is a high likelihood that Reed Jr. will make major strides, similar to Sanogo and Clingan. Tarris Reed Jr.’s abilities to stay on the court and avoid foul trouble could be the differences between a Final Four appearance or an early tournament exit.
The Verdict
With UConn set to play one of the most difficult non-conference schedules in the country, Reed Jr. will be tested very early. Matchups against a strong Florida frontcourt and BYU’s AJ Dybantsa will be huge tests of the growth that Reed Jr. has made this past offseason. Ultimately, the signs point to Tarris Reed Jr. being one of the most impactful players for the Huskies and a significant ceiling raiser this upcoming season.
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