A mass exodus is underway in Ann Arbor as sophomore forward Tarris Reed Jr. announced he would be entering the transfer portal earlier today. Yesterday, Dug McDaniel entered the portal and will be pursuing options away from Michigan, and the Wolverines dismissed Juwan Howard as head coach last Friday.
That alone would mark trouble in the waters at the Crisler Center, but when combined with the loss of guard George Washington III to the portal and four-star forward Khani Rooths’ recent decommitment… the Wolverines now have glaring holes within the basketball program.
While at Michigan, Reed Jr. averaged nine points and just over seven rebounds per game in his 31 starts last season. With another year to develop, the 6-10 big man would have been expected to contribute mightily next year after showcasing his rebounding and affinity to join the fast break, but instead Reed Jr. resembles another “what if” of the Juwan Howard era.
Reed Jr. will perhaps best be remembered for his dominant 15-rebound effort against Rutgers on Feb. 3 or his career-high 20-point night versus Illinois on Jan. 18. Over the course of last season, Reed Jr. Also turned into more of a shot blocker who could disrupt drives, so UM will need to replace that interior presence as well. In any event, Reed Jr. was one of the lone bright spots on a meager Michigan squad.
As a recruit, Reed Jr. attended Branson (Mo.) Link Academy and held offers from the majority of the Big Ten. The Kansas Jayhawks also offered Reed Jr. before he picked Michigan, so he had a fair share of national interest as well. It remains to be seen where Reed Jr. will end up transferring to.
What does Michigan need to restore balance to its basketball program? Or better yet, who does Michigan need in charge? Let us know and follow @EricJRutter on Twitter for more Wolverine Digest updates.
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