UConn basketball’s HC Dan Hurley tabs Seton Hall forward as possible Tarris Reed Jr. replacement

The UConn Huskies have addressed a major frontcourt need, as head coach Dan Hurley secured a transfer commitment from former Seton Hall Pirates center Najai Hines on Wednesday. The 6-foot-10, 265-pound rising sophomore arrives with three years of eligibility and is expected to help fill the void left by the departure of Tarris Reed Jr. and the transfer exit of Eric Reibe.

Ranked No. 27 overall in the transfer portal and the No. 6 center by 247Sports, Hines made an immediate impact during his freshman season. In 31 games off the bench, he averaged 6.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 2.2 blocks in just 18.0 minutes per game while shooting 60.2% from the field. His defensive presence stood out nationally, as he finished a 16.4% block rate, the second-highest in Division I, and ranked 19th in offensive rebounding percentage at 15.3%.

Hines ranked in the 99th percentile in blocks, 98th percentile in rebounding, and 91st percentile in two-point efficiency, according to EvanMiya. He also recorded four double-doubles, including an 11-point, 11-rebound performance against UConn, along with a separate 10-point, seven-rebound outing versus the Huskies.

Not a starter, Hines still managed to stay productive and consistent, though fouls (5.2 per 40 minutes) and turnovers remain an area for improvement.

Before college, Hines was a four-star recruit ranked No. 66 nationally and the No. 10 center in the 2025 class. At Plainfield High School, he led his team to a 30-2 record and a Group IV state title.

Hines now becomes UConn’s first frontcourt addition from the portal and a foundational piece as the program revamps its interior rotation following its 2026 Final Four run.

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