- Today
- Holidays
- Birthdays
- Reminders
- Cities
- Atlanta
- Austin
- Baltimore
- Berwyn
- Beverly Hills
- Birmingham
- Boston
- Brooklyn
- Buffalo
- Charlotte
- Chicago
- Cincinnati
- Cleveland
- Columbus
- Dallas
- Denver
- Detroit
- Fort Worth
- Houston
- Indianapolis
- Knoxville
- Las Vegas
- Los Angeles
- Louisville
- Madison
- Memphis
- Miami
- Milwaukee
- Minneapolis
- Nashville
- New Orleans
- New York
- Omaha
- Orlando
- Philadelphia
- Phoenix
- Pittsburgh
- Portland
- Raleigh
- Richmond
- Rutherford
- Sacramento
- Salt Lake City
- San Antonio
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- Seattle
- Tampa
- Tucson
- Washington
Branson Today
By the People, for the People
UConn's Tarris Reed Jr. Emerges as March Madness Star
The senior center has led the Huskies' deep NCAA Tournament run with dominant performances.
Apr. 4, 2026 at 10:03am
Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›
Tarris Reed Jr.'s March Madness heroics have electrified UConn's championship run with his dominant, high-energy play in the paint.Branson TodayTarris Reed Jr., the senior center for the University of Connecticut Huskies, has emerged as a breakout star during the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament. After transferring from the University of Michigan, Reed has been a dominant force for UConn, averaging over 21 points, 13 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks per game in the tournament. His standout performances, including a 31-point, 27-rebound effort in the opening round, have propelled the Huskies to the Final Four as they seek their third national championship in four years.
Why it matters
Reed's rise to stardom has been a key factor in UConn's deep tournament run. As one of the few remaining elite big men in the Final Four, his continued dominance could be the difference in the Huskies' quest for a national title. Additionally, Reed's breakout performance has boosted his NBA draft stock, with some projections now having him as a potential first-round pick.
The details
In the NCAA Tournament, Reed has taken his game to new heights. After a strong regular season where he averaged career highs in points, rebounds, and blocks, he has elevated his play even further in March Madness. His 31-point, 27-rebound performance against Furman set the tone, and he has followed that up with double-doubles against UCLA and Michigan State, as well as a 26-point, 9-rebound, 4-block outing against Duke in the Elite Eight.
- Reed transferred from Michigan to UConn in April 2024.
- He is currently a senior and this is his final NCAA Tournament.
The players
Tarris Reed Jr.
A 22-year-old senior center for the University of Connecticut Huskies, who has emerged as a dominant force in the 2026 NCAA Tournament after transferring from the University of Michigan.
UConn Huskies
The men's basketball team from the University of Connecticut, which is seeking its third national championship in four years and is led by the standout performance of Tarris Reed Jr. in the 2026 NCAA Tournament.
What they’re saying
“I chose UConn for its winning culture, commitment to player development and coaching style. Coach Hurley's tough coaching style is known for pushing players into uncomfortable situations, making the uncomfortable seem comfortable. UConn provides the ideal setting and coaching for me to maximize my potential both on and off the court.”
— Tarris Reed Jr.
What’s next
If UConn advances to the national championship game, Reed's performance will be a key factor in determining whether the Huskies can win their third title in four years. Additionally, Reed's NBA draft stock will continue to be a focus of attention, with his tournament performance likely boosting his draft position.
The takeaway
Tarris Reed Jr.'s breakout performance in the 2026 NCAA Tournament has been a revelation, showcasing his dominant abilities as a big man and propelling UConn to the Final Four. His continued excellence could be the difference-maker in the Huskies' quest for a national championship, while also elevating his NBA draft stock as one of the tournament's standout players.
