UConn's Tarris Reed Jr. Projected to Land with Knicks After Dominant NCAA Tournament

The 6-foot-11 center's old-school physicality and rebounding prowess could stabilize New York's frontcourt.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 12:33am

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Tarris Reed Jr.'s dominant NCAA Tournament performance, including a historic 30-point, 25-rebound game, has boosted his NBA Draft stock. The UConn senior is projected to be selected by the New York Knicks in the second round, where his interior toughness, defensive presence, and potential passing vision could provide a needed boost to the team's frontcourt.

Why it matters

Reed's unique skill set as a traditional, back-to-the-basket big man stands out in the modern NBA, which increasingly values perimeter shooting and floor spacing. However, the Knicks have built a roster that values the type of grit and interior dominance Reed brings, making him a potential fit to shore up their frontcourt depth.

The details

At 6-foot-11 and 265 pounds with a 7-foot-4 wingspan, Reed is an old-school center who thrives on physicality and rebounding. His dominant NCAA Tournament run, including a 30-point, 25-rebound performance, has him projected as a second-round pick, with the Knicks as a potential landing spot. Reed's game doesn't stretch beyond the arc, but he offers interior toughness, defensive presence, and potential passing ability that could complement the Knicks' roster.

  • Reed transferred from Michigan to UConn ahead of the 2025-26 season.
  • He led UConn to the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Tournament.
  • Reed is projected to be selected by the Knicks with the 58th overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft.

The players

Tarris Reed Jr.

A 6-foot-11, 265-pound senior center who transferred from Michigan to UConn, where he had a dominant NCAA Tournament run, including a historic 30-point, 25-rebound performance.

Dan Hurley

The head coach of the UConn Huskies, who helped Reed find more responsibility, rhythm, and an opportunity to become the dominant player he showed in the NCAA Tournament.

Mitchell Robinson

The Knicks' starting center, whose absences have exposed the team's need for frontcourt depth and interior toughness, which Reed could provide.

Jalen Brunson

The Knicks' starting point guard, who could benefit from Reed's potential passing ability to create easier looks for the team's guards.

Karl-Anthony Towns

The Knicks' starting power forward, with whom Reed could form a formidable frontcourt duo, with Reed providing the interior defense and rebounding to complement Towns' offensive skills.

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What’s next

Reed will look to impress NBA teams during pre-draft workouts and interviews, as he aims to solidify his status as a second-round pick and potential fit with the Knicks.

The takeaway

Tarris Reed Jr.'s old-school, physical style of play may not fit the modern NBA mold, but his dominant NCAA Tournament performance has shown he can be a valuable asset to a team like the Knicks, who value grit and interior presence in their frontcourt.