STORRS, Conn. — Third-ranked UConn will be without Tarris Reed Jr., its top scorer and rebounder, against No. 4 Arizona on Wednesday night.
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UConn will be without one of its most important players as senior center Tarris Reed Jr., the Huskies’ top scorer and rebounder this season, has officially been ruled out for the highly anticipated matchup against No. 3 Arizona. Reed suffered a lower-body injury earlier this week and will not travel with the team.
Reed has been a dominant force for the Huskies, averaging 20.0 points and 9.3 rebounds per game, while anchoring both ends of the floor. His consistent production in the paint has made him one of the most impactful big men in the country and a key reason UConn has climbed into the national rankings.
Reed is dealing with an ankle injury and is considered to be game-to-game, UConn said in a release.
Dan Hurley Confirms Reed’s Status
Head coach Dan Hurley addressed Reed’s absence, noting that the team is prioritizing his long-term health over one early-season matchup.
“We’re being cautious,” Hurley said. “Tarris means a lot to what we do, and we’re not going to rush him back. This is an opportunity for other guys to step up.”
How Reed’s Absence Impacts UConn
Without Reed, UConn loses its primary interior scorer and rim protector. The Huskies will now rely heavily on Donovan Clingan, Alex Karaban, and their young rotation players to fill the gap, especially in rebounding and post defense.
Reed’s ability to draw double teams and create spacing for UConn’s shooters will be missed, forcing the Huskies to adjust their offensive approach. Expect more perimeter-oriented sets and quicker ball movement as they attempt to counter Arizona’s size and athleticism.
A Tough Test Against an Elite Arizona Squad
Arizona enters the matchup with one of the nation’s most explosive offenses. Their frontcourt presents a major challenge even for full-strength opponents, making Reed’s absence a significant storyline heading into the game.
The Wildcats excel in transition scoring and physical interior play—areas where Reed typically helps stabilize UConn’s defense. Slowing Arizona’s tempo and controlling the glass will now be even more difficult.
Opportunity for Others to Step Up
While Reed’s absence is a setback, it also opens the door for emerging contributors. Clingan could see increased minutes and shot attempts, while Karaban may play a bigger role in stretching the floor. Guards will also need to rebound collectively to compensate for the missing production.
Looking Ahead
UConn will continue to evaluate Reed’s injury, though early indications suggest the team is hopeful he won’t miss extended time. With conference play approaching, the Huskies want him fully healthy before entering the heart of their schedule.
Reed’s status will be a key storyline to watch in the coming weeks, but for now, UConn shifts its focus to competing without its star big man in one of the season’s premier nonconference matchups.
The 6-foot-11 senior from St. Louis had 21 points and 8 rebounds Saturday in a win over No. 7 BYU in the Hall of Fame Series at TD Garden in Boston. He is averaging 20 points and 9.3 rebounds in 25.3 minutes per game.
Reed missed the season-opening win over New Haven and both exhibition games with a hamstring injury he sustained in the preseason. He has started the last three games.
The Huskies continue to be without preseason Big East Freshman of the Year Braylon Mullins because of an ankle injury. Freshman Jacob Furphy is available to play for the Huskies.
