UConn's two-headed monster ready to take on St. John's trio

Freshman Eric Reibe emerges as key contributor alongside veteran Tarris Reed, Jr. for Huskies

Feb. 5, 2026 at 4:07pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

UConn's two-center tandem of Tarris Reed, Jr. and freshman Eric Reibe has been a key part of the Huskies' success this season. The duo combined for 28 points and 15 rebounds in a win over Xavier, and Reibe's poise and production off the bench has been a boost for the third-ranked Huskies as they prepare to face a tough St. John's frontcourt on Friday.

Why it matters

UConn's ability to play two dominant big men has been a hallmark of their championship teams under coach Dan Hurley. Reibe's emergence as a reliable second option alongside veteran Reed gives the Huskies a formidable interior presence that will be crucial against a physical St. John's squad.

The details

Reibe has stepped up in a big way for UConn, starting early-season games against Arizona and Kansas and providing 14 points and 7 rebounds off the bench in the Huskies' recent win over Xavier. His poise and production have impressed his teammates, with Reed noting Reibe's maturity is a "huge lift" for the team. UConn will need both Reibe and Reed to be at their best to overcome St. John's trio of big men Zuby Ejiofor, Bryce Hopkins and Dillon Mitchell.

  • UConn defeated Xavier 85-58 on Tuesday, February 4, 2026.
  • UConn will face St. John's on Friday, February 7, 2026.

The players

Tarris Reed, Jr.

A senior center for the UConn Huskies who has formed a formidable duo with freshman Eric Reibe in the team's frontcourt.

Eric Reibe

A freshman center for the UConn Huskies who has emerged as a key contributor off the bench, providing a reliable second option alongside veteran Tarris Reed, Jr.

Dan Hurley

The head coach of the UConn Huskies, known for developing dominant big man tandems during his tenure.

Zuby Ejiofor

One of the three big men in St. John's frontcourt that UConn will have to contend with.

Bryce Hopkins

One of the three big men in St. John's frontcourt that UConn will have to contend with.

Dillon Mitchell

One of the three big men in St. John's frontcourt that UConn will have to contend with.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“You want Eric to be able to just understand that he plays in a dominant tandem that should look like this a lot for us. I just hope he has the perspective that Donovan had when he was in the same position, because it worked out pretty well for Donovan.”

— Dan Hurley, Head Coach, UConn Huskies (blogspot.com)

“He has so much poise as a freshman. I feel like it's so huge for us, especially for him. Looking back to my career, I did not have that type of poise my freshman year, so him just being a huge lift off the bench is giving the bench guys a huge boost, and even us a boost. So I feel like having him play like this the rest of the way is gonna be huge for us.”

— Tarris Reed, Jr., Senior Center, UConn Huskies (blogspot.com)

“The championship teams, obviously, they could run two bigs at you, and I think with Reed and Eric, they still have that. We got Reed in a little foul trouble, but Eric's a heck of a player.”

— Greg McDermott, Head Coach, Creighton Bluejays (blogspot.com)

What’s next

UConn will need to continue relying on its two-headed monster of Tarris Reed, Jr. and Eric Reibe to overcome the St. John's frontcourt trio of Zuby Ejiofor, Bryce Hopkins and Dillon Mitchell when the teams meet on Friday, February 7, 2026.

The takeaway

UConn's ability to deploy a dominant big man tandem has been a key part of their championship success under coach Dan Hurley, and the emergence of freshman Eric Reibe alongside veteran Tarris Reed, Jr. gives the third-ranked Huskies a formidable interior presence as they prepare to face a tough St. John's team.