Tarris Reed Jr.: A Journey to the National Championship

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) – Coach Dusty May recognized the potential in Tarris Reed Jr. when he arrived at Michigan. However, Reed himself saw limited opportunity with two 7-footers already committed to the Wolverines. The 6-foot-11, 265-pound athlete from St. Louis opted for a fresh start, entering the transfer portal and ultimately finding a home at UConn, a program dedicated to nurturing his raw talent.

Now, two years after leaving a starting role at Michigan to become a valuable backup for a UConn team aiming for a third consecutive national title, Reed’s collegiate career culminates in the championship game – against the very university he once called home.

A Path Forged Through Opportunity

“We’re just chopping it up and talking a little bit, but like I said it’s the national championship on the line,” Reed shared on Sunday, referring to his former Michigan teammates. “It’s not personal. We know it’s just competing for the best outcome of our team.”

The modern landscape of college basketball sees players increasingly utilizing the transfer portal to seek better NIL opportunities and playing time, aligning themselves with coaches and systems that maximize their potential. Reed’s story is a prime example. Forward Nimari Burnett, also a former Michigan teammate, faced his previous school in the Sweet 16 against Alabama. The reasons for transferring are diverse, but for Reed, it was about finding the right opportunity to thrive.

May explained, “Tarris had heard that Vlad (Goldin) was probably going to be coming with us. So he came in, and I talked to his parents, and I talked to everyone around him and he basically said, ‘Coach, I know Vlad is coming with you. Do you think you can make that work?’ I said, ‘Tarris, you both are really good; it won’t be easy. We haven’t played like that before. But I’m very confident that because of both your skill sets and talent we can figure it out.’”

The arrival of Danny Wolf further complicated matters, leading Reed to believe his playing time would be limited. While Goldin and Wolf have since departed Michigan, replaced by talents like Big Ten Player of the Year Yaxel Lendeborg and 7-foot-3 center Aday Mara, Reed found what he was looking for at UConn.

Overcoming Challenges and Finding Success at UConn

While his stats saw a slight improvement – 9.6 points and 7.3 rebounds in 35 games as a backup compared to 9.0 points and 7.2 rebounds as a starter at Michigan – the transition wasn’t seamless. Head Coach Dan Hurley’s demanding approach sometimes created friction. However, Reed persevered, embodying the Huskies’ tough and resilient culture.

“There were days where, after that season, I’m in my room just crying, ‘What the heck do I do?’ I’m writing in my journal, and I’m trying to think, ‘Do I stay? Do I go?’ When I started writing in my journal, it was obvious I had to stay at UConn,” Reed revealed, earning him the Big East’s 2024-25 Sixth Man Award.

Reed’s commitment paid off. He blossomed into a first-team All-Big East selection, leading the Huskies (34-5) to their third national championship game in four years alongside teammates Alex Karaban and Braylon Mullins. A victory on Monday would secure UConn’s seventh title since 1999, solidifying their dominance in tournament play.

A Championship Performance

Reed’s performance in the tournament has been exceptional, highlighted by a career-high 31 points and 27 rebounds in the first-round win against Furman. He was named the East Region’s Most Outstanding Player, averaging 21.7 points and 13.5 rebounds throughout the regional games. He continued his strong play with 17 points and 11 rebounds in the semifinal victory over Illinois.

Even his relationship with Hurley has evolved. “It’s really improved since he’s been on a tear. Now we’re best friends,” Hurley said with a laugh. “But I’ve been saying that, go back six weeks, go back two months, go back three months, our season is going to be determined by what Tarris Reed Jr. does, which Tarris Reed we get, does the light switch go on for Tarris Reed.”

Burnett echoed the sentiment, praising Reed’s positive attitude and joyful spirit. “He’s always been just a happy person, someone who is always joyful of the moment and just a joyful teammate even during that time, that year where things weren’t as happy (at Michigan), he brought joy,” Burnett said. “He brought enthusiasm. He’s just a great person, and we also have similar beliefs and faith. So I have a good connection with him.”

A Full-Circle Moment

Reed reflects on the journey, stating, “I started my career at Michigan and now I’m about to play them in my final game of college basketball. I never would have thought that would happen in a million years.” He anticipates a fierce battle, adding, “It’s the national championship game, so I feel like they’re going to be coming at my neck, we’re going to be coming at their neck, so it’s going to be a great, fun bloodbath and just a competitive game.”

Regardless of the outcome, Reed is confident he’s made the right choices, helping UConn pursue a championship while completing a story that began at Michigan.

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