Longtime UConn men’s basketball assistant Tom Moore, who just retired two months ago, is already out here singing the praises of Seton Hall transfer Najai Hines. He’s telling everyone to look way beyond just the box score for this guy, because what’s coming is gonna be wild. Hines is set to step right into the starting center role this season in Storrs, filling the spot Tarris Reed Jr. left open.
Why the Old School Coaches Are All In On Hines
Seriously, the word is out. Hines’ sheer imposing frame and that massive 7-foot-4 wingspan? They’ve got veteran coaches connected to the UConn program totally impressed. Moore hopped on the CT Scoreboard Podcast and dropped some serious truth bombs, saying former UConn head coach Jim Calhoun and Bob Hurley Sr., the legendary father of current coach Dan Hurley, are absolutely sharing his enthusiasm for Hines. Think about that for a second! Moore said, “You’re going off those two, they’ve seen some dudes over the years.” He added, “Those two love him. Soft hands, incredible timing on shot blocking.” It’s not just the physical stuff either. Moore even mentioned, “He doesn’t look physically like the typical shot blocker. Sometimes shot blockers are bouncy and sinewy and wiry and long. He’s more thick. He could be an NFL tight end or a linebacker, and you don’t realize how great his timing is and his discipline is at blocking shots.” That’s high praise, and it’s coming from guys who know talent when they see it.
Don’t Sleep On The Numbers: Hines’ Advanced Stats Tell the Real Story
Hines was a high school standout at Plainfield High in North Jersey, which caught the eye of college recruiters. He was close to St. Anthony’s, the powerhouse program Bob Hurley Sr. led for decades, before he committed to Seton Hall. Coming off the bench in every game for the Pirates as a 6-foot-11 freshman, he averaged 6.5 points and 5.5 rebounds per game. But here’s the kicker: his *advanced* stats are where the real story lives. That’s why Hurley pulled him from his good friend Shaheen Holloway and essentially tabbed him as the future of the UConn frontcourt. Hines didn’t just play; he finished with the nation’s second-highest block rate last season among qualifying players, according to KenPom. Plus, he was an efficient scorer and one of the country’s premier offensive rebounders. Moore broke it down, explaining, “Now, here’s a guy, he’s at Seton Hall, and he doesn’t play quite as much as you’d maybe think. And his numbers, therefore, are sort of pedestrian. But if you start extrapolating his rebounds per minute, blocked shots per minute, usage rates and stuff, he’s got an opportunity to be terrific.” It sounds like this kid is built different, inside and out. It’s going to be amazing to watch him develop this year with such a big role and playing in the spotlight.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
Leave a Reply