As the University of Connecticut moved through the final weekend of March Madness, senior Tarris Reed Jr. used part of the spotlight to talk openly about his Christian faith.
Ahead of the national championship, Reed was asked what Easter weekend meant to him. His answer centered on the resurrection and the role it plays in his life.
“The resurrection is literally everything,” Reed said. “That’s like the staple of Christianity. So, without the resurrection, there is no Christian, there is no Jesus.”
Reed also spoke about the personal change he says he has experienced during his college career.
“Jesus just literally changed my mind,” he said. “He changed everything about me.”
He said that change has affected the way he thinks, speaks and treats other people.
“My whole mind is different. The way I talk, the way I act, changed the way I treat other people,” Reed said. “It’s like more not to get, but more to serve. I feel like I’m here to really serve and serve others.”
UConn’s tournament run ended Monday night with a loss to Michigan in the national championship game. But Reed returned to that same theme afterward, reflecting on his two years at UConn with gratitude.
“Man, I thank the Lord for it every day,” Reed said. “I give all thanks to the Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.”
Reed said his path to UConn was not easy, especially after what he described as a difficult season at Michigan. He also thanked coach Dan Hurley for believing in him when he entered the transfer portal and said the experience changed the way he sees his journey.
“Ecclesiastes 7:8 [says] ‘better is the end of a thing than the beginning,’” Reed said. “Just looking back at the whole journey I’ve had, the journey with these guys, I’m gonna miss it.”
Even after the loss, Reed said he was thankful for where he is now.
“The Lord does things in mysterious ways,” he said. “I got all my tears out. I’m just blessed to be in the position I am in today.”
