Tarris Reed Is The Difference Maker That Michigan Basketball Needs

It’s bees a rough 2022-23 season for the Michigan Basketball Wolverines, and as the season winds down, every game has become essential for UM. After a monster performance against the Michigan State Spartans last weekend, it has become clear that the Wolverines’ freshman center, Tarris Reed, is the difference maker that is needed.

Tarris Reed is the difference maker that Michigan needs

Throughout the season, Tarris Reed has not seen the floor nearly as much as most Michigan Wolverines basketball fans would like him to. Thus far, Reed averages 3.6 points per game, 3.7 rebounds per game, and 0.1 assists per game — he has only seen the court for 20 minutes or more in two games to this point. Yet, when he sees significant playing time, it is clear that Reed has the potential to be one of the best centers in the Big Ten — his ceiling appears to be sky high seeing as he is only a freshman right now.

As a prospect, Tarris Reed was a four-star recruit — he was ranked No. 35 nationally, No. 8 among centers, and No. 3 in Missouri. We knew Reed was talented, but on the biggest stage we have seen this season, Reed performed far above expectations.

Reed goes off against Michigan State

On Saturday night, in Michigan’s 12-point victory over the Michigan State Spartans at the Crisler Center, Reed saw 24 minutes of playing time — the most action he has gotten during his Michigan career. During Reed’s 24 minutes on the floor, he posted 10 rebounds, three blocks, two steals, and eight points. Reed was a large factor in the Wolverines being able to pull away with the game late, and is an incredible addition to Michigan’s bench rotation.

Could Reed be coming for Dickinson’s spot?

After one game, it is hard to label Tarris Reed as being better than Hunter Dickinson; however, from what Dickinson has shown us this season, no one is sure that his pros have outweighed the cons as of late. His on (and off) court antics do not seem to be helping the Michigan Wolverines this season, and his play has not appeared to keep up with the trash talk.

I would love to be proven wrong by Dickinson, and frankly, there is a chance that he will do just that; but right now, Reed could be hot on his tail for the starting center role if things don’t start to shape up. Regardless of how this season plays out, Tarris Reed will likely be the Wolverines’ starting center a year from now, meaning the future of Michigan basketball is bright.