The UConn Huskies have secured Seton Hall transfer Najai Hines from the portal. The 6-foot-10 forward is expected to bolster head coach Dan Hurley’s frontcourt next season.
The former four-star recruit was one of the top players in the 2025 class. He had 6.5 points, 5.5 rebounds and 2.2 blocks per game last season with around 18 minutes per game action. Despite his limited minutes on the floor, his impact can’t be denied. His 16.4% block rate was second in Division I and he was in the top 20 in offensive rebounding rate.
With departures of key bigs like Tarris Reed Jr. and other players entering the transfer portal, Hurley can use this acquisition to anchor the paint last season. However, fans are not so much convinced by this decision. Hines’ shooting and height was main concern among fans.
“😂😂😂 if he’s supposed to be their starting big man that’s crazy, bro will not guard 7 footers,” one fan wrote.
“Dawg,” another commented.
“he has zero offensive game fr😂😂” one fan added.
“Jersey wants to be coached by Jersey!!!😤😤” another remarked.
“Bro is too f**king short!!! We need a goddamn 7 footer!” one fan wrote.
“W Backup but he better not start 😭” one fan wrote.
Dan Hurley Opens Up On Alternative Center Leaving Transfer Portal
The UConn Huskies’ transfer portal so far has been a mixed bag. While they managed to retain some of their key players, one alternative center is moving on. When Taris Reed Jr., whose eligibility has now expired, was injured last season, Eric Reibe used to start at center for UConn. However, Reibe has entered the transfer portal.
In Tuesday’s media session in Storrs, Hurley spoke about Reibe leaving and tough decisions that await him in the transfer portal.
“I don’t want to get too much into just an individual player. Eric was a soldier and a warrior for us. He saved us in the non-conference. He played great. He’s gonna have a great career no matter where he goes. He’s one of my favorite guys I’ve coached, and I’ve got nothing but great things to say about Eric, and that I’ll be rooting for him,” Hurley said.
“It’s definitely a challenge. We felt like we had that person groomed to take over, and now we’re in a different spot. It’s the nature of it.”
With Hines’ decision, Hurley has a replacement in the frontcourt.
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