Why Tom Moore, Jim Calhoun and Bob Hurley are high on Connecticut center Najai Hines

After retiring two months ago, longtime UConn men’s basketball assistant Tom Moore is now singing the praises of Najai Hines, encouraging fans to look beyond the Seton Hall transfer’s box score. 

Hines is expected to step into the starting center role vacated by Tarris Reed Jr. in Storrs this season. His imposing frame and massive 7-foot-4 wingspan have impressed several veteran coaches associated with the UConn program. Moore appeared on the CT Scoreboard Podcast on Wednesday, noting that former UConn head coach Jim Calhoun and Bob Hurley Sr., the father of current coach Dan Hurley, both share his enthusiasm for Hines.

“You’re going off those two, they’ve seen some dudes over the years,” Moore said. “Those two love him. Soft hands, incredible timing on shot blocking.”

“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. It’s going to be amazing to watch him develop this year with such a big role and playing in the spotlight.”

In our episode with @CoachTomMoore we talk not only about the past – but the future. One reason to be excited about this year’s team… Najai Hines. pic.twitter.com/3bryeEu5uo

– CT Scoreboard Podcast (@CTScoreboardPod) September 30, 2026

Hines drew college recruiters’ attention while starring at Plainfield High School in North Jersey, about 20 miles from St. Anthony’s, the powerhouse program Bob Hurley Sr. led for decades before committing to nearby Seton Hall. The 6-foot-11 freshman came off the bench in every game for the Pirates, averaging 6.5 points and 5.5 rebounds per game. 

However, a closer look at Hines’ advanced stats provides a clearer picture of why Hurley opted to pry him from his close friend Shaheen Holloway and anoint the young center as the future of the UConn frontcourt. Hines finished with the nation’s second-highest block rate last season among qualifying players, per KenPom, while proving an efficient scorer and one of the country’s premier offensive rebounders.

“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,” Moore said.

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This article originally published at Why Tom Moore, Jim Calhoun and Bob Hurley are high on Connecticut center Najai Hines.