The UConn Huskies will enter the upcoming 2025-26 NCAA season with unfinished business. The 2023 and 2024 national champions were eliminated by the Florida Gators in the 2025 national tournament, which ended their hopes to win three straight championships.
Dan Hurley and Co. are eager to bounce back and reclaim the throne of men’s Division I basketball, and the coach is banking on certain players to step up and lead the squad to a favorable result next April.
Center Tarris Reed Jr. is among those expected to showcase their talents in 2025-26, with Hurley showing strong belief in the senior prospect. With Alex Karaban set to take a bigger role on the squad, Reed Jr. could be a solid sidekick.
Dan Hurley hypes up Tarris Reed Jr. ahead of 2025-26 season
During Friday’s media availability at the Werth Family UConn Basketball Champions Center, Hurley made his thoughts about Tarris Reed Jr. very clear, hailing the former Michigan Wolverines star’s aggressiveness and work ethic during practice.
Head coach Dan Hurley of the Connecticut Huskies
Additionally, Hurley said Reed showed strong communication skills and helped his teammates with screens during their practice session. All these traits made Hurley predict a big season from Reed.
“We’ve spent a lot of time with Tarris,” Hurley said. “Tarris worked his a** off. We’ve bet heavy that he’s going to have a dominant year.”
In 35 games with the Huskies, Reed averaged 9.6 points, 7.3 rebounds and 1.0 assists per game, shooting 67% from the field and 64.4% from the free-throw line. He also added 1.6 blocks per game.
