INDIANAPOLIS — Two years ago, Michigan suffered its worst season in more than three decades.
It led to major changes in Ann Arbor for both the Wolverines and Tarris Reed Jr. Michigan hired Dusty May and Reed transferred to Connecticut.
Monday night, they meet again — with a national championship at stake.
“I never would have thought that would happen in a million years,” Reed said Sunday. “How cool of a blessing is that?”
It has been a memorable NCAA Tournament for both Reed and Michigan. The 6-foot-11 senior center has been arguably the most dominant player of March Madness, averaging 20.8 points, 13.0 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 1.8 blocks. The Wolverines have been the best team, winning their five tournament games by an average of 21.6 points. Their robust frontcourt has led the way, with 7-foot-3 center Aday Mara playing the best basketball of his career.
For the Huskies to pull the upset, Reed must continue his exceptional play.
“He has great length. He’s tall, 7-7 wingspan. He’s very skilled,” Reed said of facing Mara. “He does have that over me. But I have size. I’m bigger and stronger than him. It’s going to be a great matchup. It’s going to be great competition tomorrow night. He’s been playing really well in the tournament, I’ve been playing really well in the tournament.”
Reed considered staying at Michigan after May arrived. There were talks between the two. Ultimately, he opted to transfer.
It has been a bumpy ride at times. Coach Dan Hurley was tough on him. Reed even considered transferring after last season.
“My mom always said, when you start something, you have to finish it,” the big man said. “[Hurley] demanded so much out of me that I didn’t even see in myself. It’s hard when someone else sees your potential and you don’t see it yourself. That’s how much Coach believed in me. Looking back at the days of practice, where it was tough and difficult it was out of love and how much he wanted us to be successful and that included me being successful.”
Typical of the transfer portal and name, image and likeness era, few Michigan players remain from Reed’s tenure. He is still close with starting guard Nimari Burnett and reserve forward Will Tschetter. They bonded during that 8-24 campaign.
“We were talking about it a couple of days ago,” Reed, a St. Louis native, said. “I saw them out at the fan fest. It’s a crazy position to be in. We’re seeing each other in the national championship, knowing how tough and ugly that season was. It’s pretty cool and pretty special.”
But when the ball is tipped, that friendship will go out the window. Reed didn’t come this far for second place.
“They’re going to be coming at my neck, we’re going to be coming at their neck, so it’s going to be a great, fun bloodbath,” he said.
