UConn Reaches Final Four with Help from Transfer Duo

Huskies' star players Tarris Reed Jr. and Jaime Demary Jr. are former transfers from power conference programs.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 5:46pm

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The University of Connecticut men's basketball team has reached the Final Four for the third time in four years, led by a pair of key transfers from Power 5 programs. Tarris Reed Jr., a former Michigan Wolverine, and Jaime Demary Jr., who previously played at Virginia Tech, have been instrumental in UConn's deep tournament run.

Why it matters

UConn's success with transfers highlights the growing trend of top college basketball talent moving between programs, especially from Power 5 conferences to mid-major schools. The Huskies' ability to integrate these transfers seamlessly into their system has been a major factor in their recent national championship contention.

The details

Reed and Demary have been dominant forces for UConn in the NCAA Tournament so far. Reed, a 6'10" center, has averaged a double-double, while Demary, a sharpshooting guard, has provided crucial perimeter scoring. Their experience and talent from their previous Power 5 schools have elevated the Huskies to new heights this season.

  • UConn reached the Final Four in 2023, 2024, and 2026.
  • Tarris Reed Jr. transferred from Michigan to UConn before the 2024-25 season.
  • Jaime Demary Jr. transferred from Virginia Tech to UConn before the 2025-26 season.

The players

Tarris Reed Jr.

A 6'10" center who transferred from the University of Michigan to the University of Connecticut before the 2024-25 season.

Jaime Demary Jr.

A sharpshooting guard who transferred from Virginia Tech to the University of Connecticut before the 2025-26 season.

University of Connecticut

A Division I college basketball program located in Storrs, Connecticut that has reached the Final Four three times in the last four years.

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What they’re saying

“Tarris and Jaime have been huge for us this season. Their experience and talent from the Power 5 level has really elevated our team to new heights.”

— Dan Hurley, Head Coach, University of Connecticut

What’s next

UConn will face the winner of the other Final Four matchup in the national championship game on April 7th.

The takeaway

UConn's success in integrating high-level transfers from Power 5 programs has been a key factor in their recent run of deep NCAA Tournament appearances. This trend highlights the growing importance of the transfer portal in college basketball.