:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/69613683/5fe406f5144f7.image.0.jpg)
With the commitment of Tarris Reed Jr., Michigan basketball fans should be very excited for the future of the program.
Hunter Dickinson was a breakout star for Michigan last year, and will likely be the No. 1 option offensively heading into his sophomore year. If he improves upon his freshman campaign, he is likely heading to the NBA, leaving Michigan without a dominant post player.
In Reed Jr., the Wolverines would potentially have their next great post player who can break out as Dickinson did, and someone who has an even higher ceiling on offense.
The St. Louis native visited Michigan last month, with Matt Em with MGoBlog and Ant Wright being some of the first to say that Michigan was emerging as a favorite for Reed Jr.
The big man has been turning heads at 2021 Nike Peach Jam, showcasing his talents and proving himself against some of the best young basketball players in the country.
22 points and nine rebounds for Tarris Reed Jr. this morning. Without a doubt, one of the best prospects at his position, he’s proven that over the last eight days at Peach Jam.
— Jake (@jakeweingarten) July 20, 2021
Note: He shot 9/9 this game (100%).
Purdue, Michigan State, Indiana, Mizzou, Iowa, among many. https://t.co/bTnbRrorF3
Ranked as the 14th-best center and the No. 71 prospect in the 2022 class, Reed Jr. was named the All-Metro player of the year in St. Louis last year, averaging 21.5 points, 11.5 rebounds and 2.6 blocks per game.
The lanky 6-foot-10 center runs the floor really well and gets great positioning in the post, sealing off defenders for thunderous dunks. Young big men typically have one go-to move in the post that college defenses can prepare for, but Reed Jr. already has a bag full of tricks with his back to the basket.
In the highlight package below, he showcases he can score off a drop-step, a quick turn-around jumper over either shoulder, a decent hook shot and a spin move that clears space for him in the paint.
Reed Jr. can also catch in the high post or near the three-point line, facing up and ripping through his man to get to the basket and finish through contact.
He’s got great speed in the post while also being physically dominant. He reminds me of former Michigan State Spartan Xavier Tillman when he was in high school, as they both showcased a unique combination of size and foot speed down low.
Reed Jr. is great in transition and can finish through double teams with the excellent use of his double team. As Wright showed in a video last year from his sophomore season, he can stretch the floor with a decent jumper from mid-range.
Reed Jr.’s ability on the defense side combined with his multi-layered offensive game is what can make him a really special player. He covers guards step for step and is a really smart player when it comes to owning the space he is guarding. He has excellent defensive IQ which leads to some thunderous blocks.
However, he does have areas to improve upon. I’d like to see him pass out of the post and show better court vision. If he can stretch out his jump shot and knock down a few threes a game, he’ll be a lottery pick sooner than later.
The combination of Reed Jr. and 2022 commit Dug McDaniel could be lethal on both ends of the floor. And Michigan wouldn’t miss a beat in the post if Dickinson left and Reed Jr. slid right into his spot at the 5.
Reed Jr. has the potential to dominate college basketball, as the combo of him and McDaniel should keep the Wolverines in the Big Ten title conversation for the foreseeable future.