With the commitment of four-star big man Najai Hines, the Seton Hall Pirates' lineup for 2025-26 has been significantly strengthened. Hines, a strong 6-foot-10, 250-pound forward, will reclassify to the 2025 class and join the rankings as the No. 71 overall talent, dropping from No. 36 in the original 2026 class.

Hines, originally from North Carolina, spent the last year at Plainfield High School in New Jersey, where he swiftly established himself as one of the country's best rising big men. His choice to reclassify and commit to Seton Hall enhances the team's incoming freshmen class, giving Shaheen Holloway and his coaching staff a valuable late addition to their roster.

Early Interest and Recruitment

Seton Hall was one of the first prominent programs to express serious interest in Hines. The Pirates' staff, led by head coach Shaheen Holloway, worked hard to attract him early on. Holloway and his squad attended open gyms and made their intentions known, and the program soon established itself as a leading candidate for Hines' commitment.

Despite receiving interest from several other major universities, including NC State, Indiana, and San Diego, Hines finally chose Seton Hall. His choice ensures the Pirates' future as they work to develop a competitive roster.

Performance on the EYBL Circuit

Hines' recruitment was aided by his outstanding performance on the EYBL circuit with the NY Rens. In 2023, he averaged 13.1 points, 9.8 rebounds, and led the league with 2.8 blocks per game. Hines was a key component of the team's successful run to the EYBL Championship Game, topping the league in various advanced categories such as offensive rebounds and efficiency.

These stats demonstrate Hines' physicality and ability to dominate both ends of the court. His rebounding skills and shot-blocking ability contributed significantly to his team's victory, making him a highly sought-after college prospect.

Scouting Report on Najai Hines

According to Adam Finkelstein, Hines is a physically dominant big man with a football background on the court. His broad, muscular body helps him to intimidate opponents on both ends of the court, utilising his muscle to his advantage. He excels as a rebounder and shot blocker, topping the EYBL with 2.8 blocks and 9.8 rebounds per game.

Defensively, Hines is a deterrent in the paint, using his stature and mastery of verticality to absorb contact while maintaining ground. His enormous hands allow him to dominate the glass, and he is eager to rebound both inside and outside his zone. However, Finkelstein observes that Hines might struggle when pulled away from the paint and allowed to slide laterally across the perimeter. This is an area where he will need to develop in order to make the successful transition to collegiate play. 

Offensively, Hines is an excellent screener and finisher around the rim. He is recognised for his ability to get deep seals in the post, resulting in easy scoring opportunities. He also possesses exceptional left hand control, and his hands are known for their strength and dependability. Hines can catch and screen from the perimeter, but he is not yet a shooting or handling danger. Improving his free-throw shooting and refining his offensive skill set will be critical areas of development at Seton Hall. 

A Physical Force with Untapped Potential

Overall, Hines is a physically imposing player who dominates the paint on both ends of the court. His stature, strength, and defensive presence make him a tough opponent, but his potential remains mostly untapped. Hines has the potential to become an even more well-rounded player as he progresses at Seton Hall. 

Holloway's ability to get a commitment from Hines boosts Seton Hall's future in the Big East and contributes significantly to the Pirates' rebuilding efforts. With Hines now a member of the entering freshmen class for the 2025-26 season, Seton Hall supporters will be able to see his development as a physically imposing big man.