UConn is now 16-7 and has dropped four conference games. It’s definitely not a good look for a team chasing a three-peat. And that three-peat hope just got dimmer—almost bleak—with the new AP Poll ranking. But amidst all this turmoil, one player continues to have the best time of his career. However, Dan Hurley got a reality check before he got too comfortable at the top.

Most UConn fans expected Tarris Reed Jr. to be good, but not *this* good. His decision to transfer to Storrs looks like a win-win for the Huskies and his development.

Talking about the Michigan transfer, Hurley had some praise but also ensured that he kept grounded. “With Tarris, he’s a talented guy. I think we’ve been able to unlock an improvement from him in terms of production and efficiency. But, there’s even more that he’s capable of,” the coach said. Basically, he meant that the 21-year-old baller has been doing well, but not well enough to have Hurley fully satisfied. There’s still work to be done and the HC strongly believes he has more in him. 

But let’s not get it twisted. Reed Jr. is absolutely at the peak of his career right now. In his freshman year at Michigan, he scored just 116 points in total. Despite starting most games, he finished with 288 points as a sophomore. Well, in his first season with UConn, he’s already racked up 222 points—despite starting just once. 

And he’s been stepping up in clutch moments, hitting double-digit scoring in multiple games including a 20-point performance in Xavier game and 22-point vs Memphis. He’s the fourth-best scorer on the team, averaging 9.7 points per game—a mark he never crossed in his past seasons. Even in UConn’s recent 68-62 loss to St. John’s, Reed stepped up with 12 points and 15 rebounds even if the starters struggled to get going. And speaking of rebounds, he leads UConn by a significant margin, averaging 7.1 boards per game. He looks like one of the shining lights in a dark room. 

He’s a beast in the paint, bullying smaller defenders with his back-to-the-basket game. And when he stays on the floor, he gives off serious Adama Sanogo vibes something even Hurley himself has acknowledged. If he keeps this up, he’s on track to be a major force in the Big East. And while the junior is having a career-best season, the same can’t be said for his team.

Dan Hurley’s Huskies take a hit in the AP Poll

UConn just fell out of the AP Top 25 Poll after losing to then-No. 12 St. John’s last Friday night. The Huskies were ranked No. 19 before that defeat, marking the end of their 53-week streak in the rankings—the fourth-longest active streak in the country. It’s been a rough stretch for the Huskies. They started the season at No. 3 and even held the No. 2 spot for consecutive weeks. But then came a three-game losing skid in Maui back in November. Over the past month, they’ve gone 4-4. 

Even after a solid win over then-No. 9 Marquette, they dropped the ball against St. John’s at home, committing 22 turnovers that led to 18 easy points for the Red Storm. That loss now places them fourth in the Big East standings. 

Notably, Houston, Purdue, Texas A&M, St. John’s, and Iowa State round out the top 10. After losing to Creighton, Marquette slid seven spots to No. 18. Meanwhile, St. John’s cracked the top 10 for the first time since the 1999-2000 season. With all the shuffling in the league, Dan Hurley looks straight ahead. 

They have a crucial road trip that could define their season. Matchups against No. 24 Creighton and Seton Hall are absolutely must-wins to get back on track. Let’s see if they can make this happen!