Michigan Basketball just made a bold move in the transfer portal, landing former LSU forward Jalen Reed—a 6-foot-10 powerhouse with NBA-level potential. But here's the catch: his game comes with a history of injuries that could either make him a steal or a swing-and-miss for head coach Dusty May and the Wolverines.
When healthy, Reed is a force. Over the last two seasons, he averaged 10.4 points and 6.1 rebounds per game in the 14 games he played, shooting an impressive 59% from the field. His three-point shooting? A solid 37.9% on limited attempts. Across his four-year college career, he's maintained a 50% shooting clip—numbers that scream versatility and efficiency. The athleticism and skill are undeniable; the question is whether his body can hold up long enough to shine in Ann Arbor.
“Despite the challenges of the past two years, Jalen brings experience, toughness and a physical presence to our front court,” May said recently. “He’s shown he can play at a high level, and having someone with that experience is important for our program.”
To see what Michigan is banking on, let's rewind Reed's journey at LSU. As a freshman in 2022-23, he played 33 games (11 starts), averaging 3.7 points and 3.2 rebounds. By his sophomore year, he'd made a leap—7.9 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 51.6% shooting across 32 games. Then came the breakout junior season: 11.1 points and 6.5 rebounds per game before a torn ACL against Florida State in December 2024 cut him short. He returned for his redshirt junior year, starting strong with 9.5 points and 5.7 rebounds per game, only to suffer a torn left Achilles five games in. With a recovery timeline of 9-11 months, the road back is long, and the uncertainty is real.
On film, Reed is a versatile, switchable defender. At 6-foot-10 with a strong frame, he brings post scoring, rebounding, and the kind of front-court flexibility that could transform Michigan's lineup. If he can stay on the court, this transfer could be a game-changer. If not, it's a high-risk bet with big upside. Either way, the Wolverines are rolling the dice on a player with undeniable talent—and that's what makes this story so compelling.