ctinsider
STORRS — When asked about his musical preferences, Najai Hines' immediate and enthusiastic reply was simply, "Yes." The 19-year-old center, who stands 6-foot-10 1/2 without shoes, listens to everything from rock and classical to Broadway and country, adapting his playlist to whatever mood he's in.
Hines, a transfer from Seton Hall, has joined the UConn men's basketball team to fill the role vacated by Tarris Reed Jr. as the focal point of the Huskies' interior game on both ends of the court. With his athleticism, he could have been a tight end or center fielder, but basketball is his path, and he's ready to make an impact in Storrs.
Off the court, Hines is one of 14 children — seven sisters and six brothers — from a tight-knit family that has shaped his life in countless ways. He can rattle off all of their names, from Aubrey, 34, to Mylinda, 2, and everything in between. His parents, Aiysha and Nikita, both in their early 50s, have been pillars of support, with his mother overcoming two knee injuries and two strokes, and his father working as a truck driver.
Hines' journey to UConn was paved with standout performances, including an 11-point, 11-rebound, three-block effort in Seton Hall's narrow 71-67 loss at Gampel Pavilion in February. That atmosphere left a lasting impression, and when he entered the transfer portal, UConn's straightforward approach won him over. "They don't beat around the bush," Hines said, noting the program's track record with big men like Emeka Okafor, Donovan Clingan, and Adama Sanogo.
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Hines averaged 6.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, and a Big East-leading 2.2 blocks per game as a freshman, but he knows he must elevate his game to lead the Huskies. "I came here to develop and get better," he said, emphasizing the need to improve his leadership, facilitation, and defense. His physical transformation — from 280 pounds to a lean 277 — reflects his commitment to the grind.
Beyond basketball, Hines is a multifaceted individual. He plays guitar, loves golf and go-karts, and leads Bible studies with teammate Jaye Nash. His tattoos, including the Lion of Judah and the phrase "I am second," reflect his faith. His oldest brother, Duke, a tattoo artist, inked several of them.
The Hines family, including all 14 siblings, plans to attend UConn's Thanksgiving Eve game against Duke in Las Vegas. Hines has made one request: his father, a lifelong Duke fan, must wear a UConn jersey. "They're all excited to come to most of the games," Hines said. "They are just proud of me for what I'm doing in college and what I've been able to achieve."
Originally reported by ctinsider.