Tarris Reed Jr., University of Connecticut
This year, UConn could make history by winning its third national title in four years, a feat last accomplished by UCLA more than 50 years ago. The Huskies, a No. 2 seed, begin tournament play on Friday (March 20), facing No. 15 Furman.
Leading the way for UConn is Tarris Reed Jr., a 6’11” center who began his college career at Michigan. As a junior last season, Reed was named the Big East Sixth Man of the Year for his off-the-bench contributions.
Spending time in Scripture is a daily habit for Reed now, but that didn’t begin until a Michigan coach encouraged the spiritual practice. “It changed my life—the way I walk, talk, act, speak,” said Reed of Bible-reading. “Jesus has literally changed me from the inside out.” The player “loves” to talk about Jesus’ impact on his own life, he said, “so I can go out and help others.”
Earlier this year on Sports Spectrum’s “What’s Up” podcast, Reed said Jesus helped him “see the world through a whole new lens.” The athlete’s life “started to blossom” after his faith journey began, he explained.
When asked about his faith recently, Reed shared, “Jesus has been so gracious to me. My whole life is like a living testimony.” Reed’s Instagram bio features the word “disciple,” and his X bio states, “Pray more worry less.”
