Tarris Reed is a strong right-handed center who continues to improve his overall game. Reed averaged 14.7 points, 9.0 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 2.0 blocked shots per game while shooting 60.7% from the field. He was named First Team All-Big East and finished second in Big East box score plus/minus. At 6'10" with a 7'4.25" wingspan and a 263-pound frame, Reed has legitimate NBA center size and strength. He played two seasons at Michigan before finishing with two seasons at Connecticut. Reed is excellent crashing the glass and led the Big East in total rebounding percentage. He is strong near the basket, sets good wide screens, and can finish efficiently through contact. Reed really improved his footwork, to the point where his counter-moves became instinctive. He is right-handed, but if defenders play him to go right, he can go left and still finish. He also made unbelievable strides in his decision-making as a senior, posting his first season with more assists than turnovers at 1.23-to-1. Considering he coughed up more than eleven turnovers for every one assist as a freshman, that is dramatic improvement. The concern is shooting touch. Reed made only 61.7% from the free throw line and attempted just seven three-point shots in four NCAA seasons. Opposing coaches may try to pick on him with “Hack-a-Tarris” situations because of that lack of touch. Defensively, Reed was very good. His DDiff was plus-4.7, and his strength, rebounding, shot-blocking, and physical readiness make him one of the more plug-and-play bigs in the draft. Reed may not offer floor spacing, but he is ready to compete physically and should be able to help a NBA team as a traditional center.
