Tarris Reed Jr. is making quite the statement at the NBA Draft Combine in Chicago, and basketball fans everywhere should take note. During Thursday's five-on-five scrimmage at Wintrust Arena, the former UConn center showcased exactly why he's one of the most intriguing big men in this year's draft class.
Coming off the bench with energy to spare, Reed wasted no time making an impact. He threw down a reverse layup through contact early on, setting the tone for what would be a standout performance. In just a few minutes of first-quarter action, he was already up to seven points, consistently finishing above the rim with authority.
But it wasn't just about scoring. Reed's defensive versatility was on full display as he switched and defended at every level—a skill that's absolutely essential for big men looking to thrive in today's NBA. He finished the scrimmage with an impressive stat line: 17 points on 7-for-9 shooting, five rebounds, and two blocks.
"There's been a lot of ups and downs throughout the journey, but it's just a blessing going through this process," Reed said on the NBATV broadcast. "First time going through the NBA Combine, AK (Alex Karaban) has helped me through the process, but I'm trying to keep that momentum rolling into the NBA. Just having fun with it, enjoying the journey."
Reed's strong showing builds on the momentum from a dominant NCAA Tournament run in March, where he averaged 19.5 points, 13.2 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 1.5 blocks per game—leading the Huskies all the way to the national championship game. He's also been quick to highlight his passing as his most underrated skill, while focusing on improving his defensive timing and maintaining that physical presence in the post that made him unstoppable at UConn.
NBA Draft expert Jonathan Givony summed it up perfectly: "Tarris Reed showed off his glue-guy qualities at the NBA Draft Combine, setting screens, ducking in with physicality, passing, going out of his area for rebounds with his 7-4 wingspan and switching onto guards, just like we saw at UConn the last two seasons."
With a 7-4 wingspan and a game that's constantly evolving, Reed is proving he's ready to make the leap—and he's doing it with the kind of energy and versatility that teams covet on draft night.