Each year since 2006, MaxPreps has recognized outstanding performers in high school basketball. The tradition continues to close out the 2024-25 season by naming the top player in each state. Selections are based on team success and individual excellence in addition to local and state accolades.
Najai Hines of
Plainfield is the 2024-25 New Jersey MaxPreps Player of the Year. The 6-foot-10 senior center led the Cardinals to a 29-3 record and their first state championship since 2012.
For the season, Hines averaged 18.8 points, 16.9 rebounds and 3.5 blocked shots per contest. He recorded double-doubles in all 26 games played.
Hines' most impressive performance of the season came in a 74-58 victory over Linden in the second round of the Section 2 Group 4 tournament when he piled up 32 points and 30 rebounds. He upped his averages to 23.8 points, 18.7 rebounds and 3.5 blocked shots per outing in six postseason games.
In a 65-48 victory over Montgomery in the Group 4 state title game, Hines produced 18 points, 16 rebounds and four blocked shots to close out a dominant senior campaign. After playing for South Garner (Garner, N.C.) last season, Hines transferred to the Garden State for his final year.
Hines is also a force on the football field where he hold offers from Appalachian State, Charlotte, Coastal Carolina, East Carolina, Elon, Houston, South Carolina, Temple, Troy and West Virginia to play tight end.
Each state's MaxPreps Player of the Year will be considered for inclusion in the MaxPreps All-America Team, which is scheduled to be released April 8. Past selections include 2023-24 All-NBA picks Devin Booker (2014), Jalen Brunson (2014, 2015), Anthony Davis (2011), Kevin Durant (2006), Anthony Edwards (2019) and Jayson Tatum (2014, 2015, 2016).
Past New Jersey MaxPreps Players of the Year2019-20 – Clifford Omoruyi, Roselle Catholic (Roselle)
2020-21 – D.J. Wagner, Camden
2021-22 – D.J. Wagner, Camden
2022-23 – D.J. Wagner, Camden
2023-24 – Dylan Harper, Don Bosco Prep (Ramsey)
