‘Changing my mindset’: Tarris Reed Jr. preparing for starting role

Tarris Reed Jr. didn’t need to be reminded of the stakes. As one of two key returners all but penciled into the starting lineup, he spent his offseason preparing to start at the ‘5.’ His offseason training covered the basics: free throws, 3-pointers, positioning.

Then there was the stuff between the ears — the basketball IQ, the motor within — all the things that take more than just spending hours in a gym. Those are the areas that coaches highlighted at Michigan Media Day on Tuesday, and they could help Reed achieve the impact he plans to make this season.

“I’m always gonna work hard, but knowing that another opportunity, a pretty big opportunity, is gonna present itself, I’m putting in some extra work,” Reed said. “… But that’s always been me. I’m always gonna put in extra work. Changing my mindset, that’s the big thing.”