With the UConn Huskies’ recent frontcourt dominance in their back-to-back title runs, a major question emerged this year: Could that level of dominance at center truly be sustained?
The man who led the charge for UConn in 2023 and 2024 was Donovan Clingan. Clingan earned All-Big East Tournament honors twice and made the NCAA All-Tournament Team en route to winning those two national titles. The 7-foot-2 center played just two seasons at UConn. During that time, he recorded 695 points, 467 rebounds, and 151 blocks. His impact quickly made him a household name.
Last season, the immediate replacement for Clingan was Samson Johnson. Johnson was also a back-to-back national champion. He played for UConn from 2021 to 2025. He served as a rotational piece until his senior year.
During his senior season, Johnson set program records for field goal percentage in both the career and single-season marks. He also finished as the program’s all-time leader in wins.
When Samson Johnson’s collegiate career came to an end, the opportunity was in front of Tarris Reed Jr., a 6-foot-11 transfer from Michigan who began his career with the UConn Huskies in 2024. With years of frontcourt dominance behind them, Reed was expected to help maintain this championship-level frontcourt.
Early On
Upon his arrival, Tarris Reed Jr. quickly made an impact for UConn. In his first season with the Huskies (2024-25), Reed earned Big East Sixth Man of the Year honors. He averaged 9.6 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks per game, all in just 19.9 minutes per contest.
Reed also shot an efficient 67% from the field. His strong production showed his value even in limited minutes. During the season, he recorded seven double-doubles. This elite production promised a successful career with UConn.
Tarris Reed’s Dominant Rise
This season, known for his physical play on both ends, Tarris Reed Jr. has been on the rise. He earned First Team All-Big East honors and is averaging 14.7 points and 8.8 rebounds per game. Reed’s ability to create high-percentage shots on offense helped his field goal percentage stand at 62.1%.
Averaging just over two blocks per game, Reed is showing to be the same defensive threat as Donovan Clingan during his 2024 championship run, proving he can be the “Eraser” on the defensive end.
Adding to this breakout season, Reed made history in the first round of the tournament. Against Furman, he became the first player since Bill Walton in 1972 to record a 30-20 game on 80% shooting. In that game, Reed finished with 31 points and 27 rebounds. He also shot 80% from the field.
In his most recent matchup against the Duke Blue Devils, Reed added another dominant performance. He recorded 26 points and 9 rebounds. He also shot 62.5% from the field, all of which helped the Huskies advance to their third Final Four in four years.
Final Notes
With UConn having another dominant center, Tarris Reed Jr. has become the difference-maker and a huge key to the Huskies’ success this season. His physical presence and efficiency on both ends make him the true X-factor. As UConn enters the Final Four, Reed’s ability to control the paint could lead them to a third National Championship in four years.
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