Entering the portal - 2026

[CardiacAndre7]

He had a 16.4% block rate, second in the country. For context, Aday Mara, who wrecked any chance of us going into the paint in the championship game, had an 11.9% block rate (6th). Opposing teams shot 48.6% at the rim when he was in the game, which is crazy low.

He also was one of the best rebounders in the country on a per possession basis.

Here is his scoring efficiency and BPM compared to the rest of his team:
View attachment 119597

He reclassed up, but he was awesome in AAU right before he committed. Blew up at Peach Jam, led his team to the finals. Was due for a big bump in the HS recruiting rankings.

Hines and a guy like Thiam who is long and athletic would be an awesome pair. That won’t happen because of money and both would want to be starters, but something of that ilk as a tandem would be super ideal.

 

[Son of Robert]

Hines listed at 6'10 265 7ft wingspan #1 player coming out of Jersey in 2025

Adam FinkelsteinDirector of Scouting


Hines is a physically dominant big man with a body type and physical approach that come from a background on the football field. He is thick and powerful from head to toe and understands how to throw his body around and bully his opponents on both ends of the floor.

Defensively, he strikes a rare balance between being both a high-volume rebounder and shot-blocker. He’s not built like a prototypical rim protector and yet still led the EYBL with 2.8 per game, while grabbing 9.8 rebounds. He’s a huge physical deterrent, understands verticality, absorbs contact without losing an inch, and doesn’t leave his feet unnecessarily. Between that and his massive hands, he dominates his area on the glass and is also willing to rebound outside of it. Where he can struggle right now is when he’s pulled away from the paint and asked to slide laterally on the perimeter.

Offensively, he’s a big screener with good hands who poses a massive target rolling to the rim and emphatic finisher. He understands how to get deep seals, leading to point blank finishes, and also has excellent use of his left hand. He can catch and screen on the perimeter, but is not yet a shooting or handling threat. Even his free-throw touch needs to improve as it can be flat and hard right now.

Overall, he’s a physically imposing power player in the lane on both ends of the floor who has untapped potential tied to expanding his skill-set, conditioning, and mobility

 

[3rdbass]

He is a bit undersized height wise but his defense is awesome, great offensive rebounder, can dunk through people, non-stop motor, looks to have good touch, 69% from the ft line is pretty good for a freshman big. He also only really started focusing on basketball his junior year of high school. Holloway simply didn't use him enough or use him well. Holloway doesn't run much of an offense. I love what I've seen from Hines and I think he's probably just scratching the surface. Danny and staff could make him a force.

I wouldn't call Seton Hall a bad team. They were just inside the top 25 at one point and they could've made the tournament if they just got one or two resume wins they needed.

He is one inch shorter than tarris who was listed at 6'11" and weight is similar. This is a real good scouting report on him. I would love to get in the portal.

Najai Hines Scouting Report

Built like a NFL linebacker while having great fluidity. Hines has the potential to be a elite rebounder and shot blocker while offering extras. Here's the role he'll grow into and long-term potential

edemirnba.substack.com

 

[TheHorde]

Thats a fine stat line for a freshman off the bench in 18 mins a game. He’s obviously not going to be Tarris Reed but no one is..

Which respectable to good shooting percentages and excellent block numbers.

 

[WhereistheDove?]

This may be a hot take but I’m not the biggest fan of Hines. A slightly undersized center who averaged 6 and 5 on a bad team is not someone I’m super excited about being our starting center

Top tier defender and rebounder with a big wingspan. He played in an absolute dumpster fire offensive system. He would be a stud here.

 

[bendm]

How are there so many players in the portal yet so few are any good

 

[auror]

How are there so many players in the portal yet so few are any good

If you're really good, you were either a senior, you go to the NBA, or you are happy with your role and your team pays you a boatload to stay. The minority of good players transfer.

 

[RuffRuff]

 

[FreeDogs]

That dude that picked us must feel dumb.

 

[noelle]

Hines listed at 6'10 265 7ft wingspan #1 player coming out of Jersey in 2025

Adam FinkelsteinDirector of Scouting


Hines is a physically dominant big man with a body type and physical approach that come from a background on the football field. He is thick and powerful from head to toe and understands how to throw his body around and bully his opponents on both ends of the floor.

Defensively, he strikes a rare balance between being both a high-volume rebounder and shot-blocker. He’s not built like a prototypical rim protector and yet still led the EYBL with 2.8 per game, while grabbing 9.8 rebounds. He’s a huge physical deterrent, understands verticality, absorbs contact without losing an inch, and doesn’t leave his feet unnecessarily. Between that and his massive hands, he dominates his area on the glass and is also willing to rebound outside of it. Where he can struggle right now is when he’s pulled away from the paint and asked to slide laterally on the perimeter.

Offensively, he’s a big screener with good hands who poses a massive target rolling to the rim and emphatic finisher. He understands how to get deep seals, leading to point blank finishes, and also has excellent use of his left hand. He can catch and screen on the perimeter, but is not yet a shooting or handling threat. Even his free-throw touch needs to improve as it can be flat and hard right now.

Overall, he’s a physically imposing power player in the lane on both ends of the floor who has untapped potential tied to expanding his skill-set, conditioning, and mobility

hurley on his recruit football players and teach them euroball arc

 

[Hans Sprungfeld]

Did his left arm get shot off?

Hook & hold

 

[FightOnCT]

Thats a fine stat line for a freshman off the bench in 18 mins a game. He’s obviously not going to be Tarris Reed but no one is..

His profile isn’t that far off from Reed tbh. An inch shorter and Michigan was way worse than this year’s Seton Hall when Reed left

 

[3rdbass]

 

[gsmooth]

Hines and a guy like Thiam who is long and athletic would be an awesome pair. That won’t happen because of money and both would want to be starters, but something of that ilk as a tandem would be super ideal.

I know I might wishing for the stars, then again I might not be. But I would love for Hurley to close on Thiam and Hines. I am hoping if I post this enough times it will go into the ether and make it more likely it will happen.