Reed Finds His Shooting Rhythm

Nov. 19, 2009

LAWRENCE, Kan. –

Kansas basketball player Tyrel Reed finished tonight’s game with a team-high 12 points, so one would not have guessed that he began the season 0-for-6 from the field. Reed was a blazing 4-for-5 from the three-point line versus the defense of Central Arkansas.

Although he struggled in the first two games this year, Reed never doubted his shot.

“I’ve been shooting the ball fine in practice, and just haven’t been able to knock it down in the games,” said Reed. “I’ve just tried to go out and play basketball.”

In both practice and games, Reed never felt a difference in his stroke.

“I feel like I shoot the same every day,” said Reed. “I think I’m a good shooter, but sometimes the ball just doesn’t want to go in.”

Part of Reed’s shooting slump came against Memphis, where he was 0-for-2 from the arc.

“Memphis pressured us a lot,” said Reed. “It was the first game of the season that we really got pressured. They got up under us and made us do some things that we didn’t want to do. As guards, we’ve got to be better.”

Reed was finally rewarded for his effort tonight, contributing his success to the energy of his teammates and hard work.

“Whenever we come out with energy, good things seem to happen,” said Reed. “The same thing applies to practice. We have a lot of guys, so we just need to give 100 percent effort when we’re out there.”

Last year, Reed proved to be an effective three-point shooter. After tonight’s performance, fans can look forward to much of the same in 2009-10.

“It’s never fun missing shots when you’re a shooter,” said Reed. “They just weren’t falling down. I felt confident, but there was a lid on the basket. It’s over now and I can just go out and play basketball.”