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After three straight years, it’s becoming a norm for a UConn player to be picked in the first round of the NBA Draft. The only other schools with that distinction in the last three years? Duke and Baylor, a couple of five-star daycares with questionable methods.
I still remember the delight of hearing James Bouknight’s name called.
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But for the streak to continue, they’ll need teams to fall in love with Tarris Reed Jr or Alex Karaban. Both have been projected as fringe first-rounders, but as we saw with Liam McNeeley last year, draft night comes with a lot of uncertainty.
Since NBA front offices are obviously reading The UConn Blog Dot Com, here is my sales pitch for Reed. You can read Karaban’s here. Maybe this can push them solidly into the first round.
Apr 4, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; UConn Huskies forward Tarris Reed Jr. (5) reacts after a play against the Illinois Fighting Illini during the first half of a semifinal of the Final Four of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images | Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
It Pays to Be Big
I found five comparisons based on combine measurements and play style, three from the current generation and two slightly older ones. Combined, they all reflect a sort of best-case, best-floor comparison.
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Pace and space is still a thing in the NBA, but some are bucking the trend. Jumbo lineups — like what Michigan did to UConn in the title game — are starting to enter the picture. If you’re trying to stay ahead of the jumbo curve, may I interest you in a 6 ’10 (barefoot), 260 lb. center with ballerina feet, a 7′ 5 ” wingspan, and feathery touch around the rim?
What if he has above-average passing skills, exceptional switchability, and shot mechanics that indicate potential shooting range later in his career?
With the first comparison, let’s aim high.
The Detroit Pistons were the no. 1 seed in the East in part due toJalen Duren‘s emergence as a space-eating low-post anchor with two-way athleticism.
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That’s the almost unrealistic, peak comparison for Reed Jr. out there right now; he comes into the…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/tarris-reed-jr-nba-draft-165537829.html
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Publish date : 2026-06-19 16:55:00
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