As the 26th overall pick in the 2026 NBA draft, rookie center Tarris Reed Jr. joins the San Antonio Spurs after a productive collegiate career at Michigan and UConn.
Reed was a first-team All-Big East selection last season at UConn, averaging 14.7 points, nine rebounds, 2.3 assists and two blocks while shooting 60.7% from the field. He ranked seventh in the country in box plus-minus (plus-12.9) and 17th in 2-point field goals.
The 6-foot-11 Reed helped the Huskies to the championship game, leading all players in the NCAA Tournament with 117 points and 79 rebounds. He recorded 31 points and 27 rebounds in a win over Furman, becoming the first player to reach those numbers since 1968 (Elvin Hayes).
Reed logged five appearances with the Spurs in summer
league, averaging nine points, nine rebounds 1.6 assists. He registered two double-doubles, including a 14-point, 12-rebound performance on July 9 in a loss to the Atlanta Hawks.
The 23-year-old was highly touted out of college for his scoring, rebounding and physical playing style. The organization valued him as a frontcourt player who can affect games at a high level and is eager to see him take the court this season.
Throughout September, Rookie Wire is compiling some of the most interesting facts about each first-round pick in an effort to further introduce the incoming draft class ahead of the 2026-27 season
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Stephon Castle
Reed wore No. 32 in high school at Chaminade College Prep and at the Link Year Prep Academy. He kept it for his first two years at Michigan, before switching to No. 5 at UConn. He had to choose a new number upon joining the Spurs since No. 5 is worn by Stephon Castle, so he chose No. 10 as a way to honor the former Husky and Rookie of the Year.
"I wore No. 5 at UConn, and everyone knows Steph Castle wears No. 5, so 5 plus 5 and 5 times 2 is 10," Reed said, via the NBA on YouTube. "That's how I got the No. 10."
Link Academy
A four-star recruit, Reed led the Link Academy in scoring as a senior, playing alongside future NBA players Julian Phillips and Jordan Walsh. As a result, Reed earned invitations to the Jordan Brand Classic and the Iverson Classic.
Saxophone
Reed is an accomplished saxophone player, having taken it up in middle school. He said his mother, Darlene, required him to be in the choir or play an instrument, so he eventually settled on the saxophone. Reed still plays today and has said it helps him clear his mind outside of basketball.
Kung Fu Panda
Reed often talks about his love for "Kung Fu Panda," calling the first installment the best in the animated franchise. He relates to Po, voiced by Jack Black, and marvels at the character's development arc. He was even nicknamed "Baby Panda" at Michigan and said people also still call him Po.
Clothing Line
Reed launched his own clothing line, called TJR Brand, focusing on athletic and casual wear. The brand helped boost his name, image and likeness (NIL) valuation to the high six-figure range.
This article originally appeared on Rookie Wire: 5 fun facts: Get to know Spurs' Tarris Reed Jr. before rookie season
