UConn’s Taris Reed Jr. Reflects on Easter and His Faith
Taris Reed Jr., a standout player from the University of Connecticut, shared heartfelt thoughts about Easter, the Resurrection, and the influence of Jesus on his life after the March Madness semifinals.
Following a 71-62 victory over the University of Illinois, Reed addressed the media on Monday night, looking ahead to the national championship against his old team, the University of Michigan.
In an unexpected turn during his press conference, an Indianapolis reporter mentioned Easter weekend and asked the 22-year-old about the significance of his recent comeback.
Expressing His Faith
Reed smiled and thoughtfully responded, “That’s a great question.” He began discussing how central the Resurrection is to Christianity, stating, “Without the resurrection, there wouldn’t be Christianity.” He emphasized that where there is no resurrection, there is also no Jesus.
Adding a unique perspective, Reed suggested that if he could present substantial evidence for the resurrection, it would further support the foundations of Christianity. He reflected, “Through my college journey, Jesus literally transformed my thought process.”
Inspired by the Bible
Before the national tournament, Reed shared that he draws inspiration from his Christian faith and engages with the Bible daily. During tough moments, he turned to God, which, he felt, greatly bolstered his confidence.
He expressed that his faith in Jesus has profoundly altered his life. “He changed everything for me,” Reed remarked on Saturday night. “It’s remarkable to look back. I recently caught up with some guys from my old team, Michigan. We’ve all evolved so much just by being around each other. Seeing my growth through Jesus has been a true blessing. He opened my eyes.”
Interestingly, Reed acknowledged that while he identified as a Christian during his time at the University of Michigan, he hadn’t regularly read the Bible then. He noted that his faith played a crucial role in grounding him during challenging times with the 2023 Wolverines.
“When everything feels chaotic, I remember my trust in Jesus Christ, who made me and guides me through hardships,” he previously shared.
A Changed Walk
As he prepared for the tournament finals, Reed asserted that his faith has reshaped not just his mindset but even the way he carries himself. “My heart has completely transformed. Everything—how I speak, walk, and interact—has shifted. It’s more about serving others rather than seeking something for myself. I genuinely feel called to serve.”
As the national championship approaches, Reed is ready to take the court for the final showdown with Michigan State, which is set to happen Monday night at 8:50 PM ET.
