Temple University Athletics
SWAC Tournament MVP CJ Hines Signs with Temple
5.2.25 | Men's Basketball
PHILADELPHIA – Temple University men's basketball head coach Adam Fisher announced Friday the signing of Alabama State transfer guard CJ Hines. Hines, a native of Atlanta, will have one year of eligibility remaining following two seasons at Alabama State and three at Faulkner University (NAIA) in Montgomery, Ala.
Hines started all 35 games for the Hornets during the 2024-25 season, averaging 14.1 points, 3.0 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 1.1 steals per game.
"We are very excited to welcome CJ and his family to our Temple Basketball program," said Fisher. "CJ is a proven winner, leading Alabama State to the NCAA Tournament this season. His ability to play on the ball and make plays will be a great addition for us next season. He's a terrific shooter who consistently hits from long range, and we're excited about the leadership he brings. We know he'll be a great ambassador for our university."
Hines led Alabama State to its first Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) Tournament title in 15 seasons, earning SWAC Tournament MVP honors and a spot on the all-tournament team. He averaged 16.7 points across three conference tournament games, including a team-best 20-point effort in the 60–56 championship win over Jackson State.
He totaled 20 or more points in six games last season, highlighted by a season-high 36-point performance against Delaware State. The 6-foot-2 guard reached double figures in 28 of 35 contests. Following the SWAC title game, Hines scored 10 points in the NCAA Tournament First Four win over Saint Francis (Pa.), and added nine points against eventual Final Four participant Auburn in the round of 64.
Hines significantly improved his scoring and efficiency from his junior to senior season, increasing his scoring average from 9.8 to 14.1 points per game, while raising his shooting percentage from 34.8 percent to 41.8 percent overall, and 34.9 percent to 37.8 percent from three-point range.
"I chose Temple because of its strong legacy, great fan base and the family atmosphere within the program," said Hines. "I'm excited to show what I can do on the court while also growing as a person off the court. I'm ready to give my all for the city, the fans and the Temple community."
Before arriving at Alabama State, Hines starred at crosstown NAIA program Faulkner University for three seasons. He was named to the NAIA and NABC First Team All-America squads and became Faulkner's first Southern States Athletic Conference (SSAC) Player of the Year in 20 years during the 2022-23 season. In 95 games with the Eagles, Hines tallied more than 1,500 career points and averaged 21.4 points, 5.2 rebounds, 4.7 assists and 1.8 steals per game while shooting 50 percent during his All-American campaign.
A graduate of Archer High School in Lawrenceville, Ga., Hines earned first team all-county honors as a senior.
Hines becomes the fourth transfer signing this offseason for Temple, joining Jamai Felt (Boston, Mass./Bowling Green), Masiah Gilyard (Brooklyn, N.Y./Manhattan) and Gavin Griffiths (Simsbury, Conn./Nebraska). Incoming freshman Cam Wallace (Philadelphia, Pa./Westtown) rounds out the 2025-26 newcomers signed to date.
Hines started all 35 games for the Hornets during the 2024-25 season, averaging 14.1 points, 3.0 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 1.1 steals per game.
"We are very excited to welcome CJ and his family to our Temple Basketball program," said Fisher. "CJ is a proven winner, leading Alabama State to the NCAA Tournament this season. His ability to play on the ball and make plays will be a great addition for us next season. He's a terrific shooter who consistently hits from long range, and we're excited about the leadership he brings. We know he'll be a great ambassador for our university."
Hines led Alabama State to its first Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) Tournament title in 15 seasons, earning SWAC Tournament MVP honors and a spot on the all-tournament team. He averaged 16.7 points across three conference tournament games, including a team-best 20-point effort in the 60–56 championship win over Jackson State.
He totaled 20 or more points in six games last season, highlighted by a season-high 36-point performance against Delaware State. The 6-foot-2 guard reached double figures in 28 of 35 contests. Following the SWAC title game, Hines scored 10 points in the NCAA Tournament First Four win over Saint Francis (Pa.), and added nine points against eventual Final Four participant Auburn in the round of 64.
Hines significantly improved his scoring and efficiency from his junior to senior season, increasing his scoring average from 9.8 to 14.1 points per game, while raising his shooting percentage from 34.8 percent to 41.8 percent overall, and 34.9 percent to 37.8 percent from three-point range.
"I chose Temple because of its strong legacy, great fan base and the family atmosphere within the program," said Hines. "I'm excited to show what I can do on the court while also growing as a person off the court. I'm ready to give my all for the city, the fans and the Temple community."
Before arriving at Alabama State, Hines starred at crosstown NAIA program Faulkner University for three seasons. He was named to the NAIA and NABC First Team All-America squads and became Faulkner's first Southern States Athletic Conference (SSAC) Player of the Year in 20 years during the 2022-23 season. In 95 games with the Eagles, Hines tallied more than 1,500 career points and averaged 21.4 points, 5.2 rebounds, 4.7 assists and 1.8 steals per game while shooting 50 percent during his All-American campaign.
A graduate of Archer High School in Lawrenceville, Ga., Hines earned first team all-county honors as a senior.
Hines becomes the fourth transfer signing this offseason for Temple, joining Jamai Felt (Boston, Mass./Bowling Green), Masiah Gilyard (Brooklyn, N.Y./Manhattan) and Gavin Griffiths (Simsbury, Conn./Nebraska). Incoming freshman Cam Wallace (Philadelphia, Pa./Westtown) rounds out the 2025-26 newcomers signed to date.
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