UConn Hunting for Next Big Man After Eric Reibe Enters Portal

Huskies could land Seton Hall transfer Najai Hines as Reibe's replacement in the frontcourt.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 5:19am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A fractured, cubist-style painting depicting the abstract forms of basketball players on a court, with the court and arena fading into the background in a geometric, deconstructed style.UConn's search for its next dominant big man takes center stage as the Huskies look to reload their frontcourt.Newark Today

After freshman center Eric Reibe unexpectedly entered the transfer portal, UConn is quickly searching for its next dominant big man to anchor the paint. The Huskies have hosted Seton Hall transfer Najai Hines on a visit, and many believe the 6-foot-10 forward has a very bright future after showing his potential in two games against UConn this past season.

Why it matters

UConn has built a reputation for having dominant centers who can overwhelm opponents in the paint, from Adama Sanogo to Donovan Clingan to Tarris Reed. Reibe was expected to be the next in that line, but his departure leaves a significant hole that the Huskies must fill if they want to maintain their frontcourt dominance in the Big East.

The details

Reibe, a freshman, posted 5.9 points and 3.3 rebounds per game this past season, but his production tailed off during Big East play compared to earlier in the year when he was filling in for an injured Reed. UConn head coach Dan Hurley praised Reibe's effort, calling him 'a soldier and a warrior' who 'saved us in the non-conference.' Now the Huskies are turning their attention to Seton Hall transfer Najai Hines, who averaged 6.5 points and 5.5 rebounds in just 18 minutes per game for the Pirates. Hines impressed in two games against UConn this season, scoring 10 points with 7 rebounds and 3 blocks in a 5-point loss, and then posting 11 points, 11 rebounds, and 3 blocks in a 4-point defeat.

  • Reibe entered the transfer portal in April 2026.
  • Hines visited UConn in the spring of 2026 after entering the transfer portal.

The players

Eric Reibe

A freshman center who unexpectedly entered the transfer portal after the 2025-26 season, in which he averaged 5.9 points and 3.3 rebounds per game for UConn.

Dan Hurley

The head coach of the UConn men's basketball team, who praised Reibe's effort and is now searching for his next dominant big man to anchor the Huskies' frontcourt.

Najai Hines

A 6-foot-10 forward who is transferring from Seton Hall and has visited UConn, after averaging 6.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 3 blocks per game in limited minutes for the Pirates.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Eric was a soldier and a warrior for us. He saved us in the non-conference. He played great. He's going to have a great career no matter where he goes. He's one of my favorite guys I've coached.”

— Dan Hurley, Head Coach, UConn Men's Basketball

What’s next

UConn will continue to recruit Najai Hines and other potential transfer options to fill the void left by Eric Reibe's departure, with the goal of finding their next dominant big man to anchor the frontcourt.

The takeaway

Maintaining a strong presence in the paint has been a hallmark of UConn's success in recent years, and the Huskies will need to quickly identify and develop their next star center to keep that tradition alive. The potential addition of Seton Hall transfer Najai Hines could be a perfect fit, but UConn will have to work to land the talented big man.