Why Najai Hines is emerging as a strong transfer portal fit for Gonzaga

Mark Few and the Gonzaga Bulldogs coaching staff are hard at work evaluating talent all over the country via the transfer portal, looking to replace 10 departed players from last year’s roster.

The biggest shoes to fill belong to All-American Graham Ike, who scored over 2,500 career points spanning five seasons between Wyoming and Gonzaga.

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Ike and Braden Huff formed a dynamic frontcourt duo in Spokane last season, prior to Huff’s season-ending knee injury. However, the pair did leave Gonzaga vulnerable defensively, with neither big offering much in the way of rim protection.

It has become quite clear that Gonzaga is looking to remedy that issue on next year’s squad, with known targets Massamba Diop (2.1 BPG) and Samet Yigitoglu (1.3 BPG) both standing over seven feet tall with proven backgrounds in rim protection at the power conference level from Arizona State and SMU, respectively.

Another top-tier center available in the transfer portal Gonzaga should have their eye on is Najai Hines, who wrapped up a stellar freshman season at Seton Hall in 2025-26.

Why Hines?

Hines is a 6’10 big man from Plainfield, NJ, who was a 4-star recruit ranked No. 71 in the 2025 class at 247Sports. He stayed local and committed to Seton Hall and coach Shaheen Holloway, and immediately established himself as one of the toughest defensive big men in the entire country.

Feb 21, 2026; Newark, New Jersey, USA; Seton Hall Pirates center Najai Hines (25) dunks the ball in front of Georgetown Hoyas forward Caleb Williams (4) and center Julius Halaifonua (11) during the second half at Prudential Center. | Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

Although he came off the bench for the Pirates, Hines was arguably the most impactful player on the roster, averaging 6.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, and a Big East-leading 2.2 blocks in just 18 minutes per game. He shot 60.2% from the field and 69% from the free throw line, while his 69 blocks and 75 offensive rebounds ranked third and ninth, respectively, in the Big…

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Publish date : 2026-04-10 21:38:00

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