Friday’s commitment of Lathan Sommerville is a significant addition for Rutgers basketball. The Scarlet Knights added the four-star center after a recruitment that saw them fend off some pretty big programs to land the top 100 recruit.
Sommerville, a 2024 recruit from Atlanta, also held offers from programs like Bradley, Missouri, Seton Hall and Villanova. The quality offers underscore what a big get this is for Rutgers.
The 6-foot-10 center is ranked the No. 92 player in the nation according to Rivals. Rutgers now has three commits in the top 100 for the first time in program history.
What is impressive about Sommerville is that he is a hybrid player in many ways. He uses his size and frame very well in the post with the ability to bang and hit the boards. Sommerville can alter shots and is a strong defensive presence.
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My nephew Lathan Sommerville has offers from everywhere……so unreal to see, keep going nephew. pic.twitter.com/uXBAgZ7aty
— jerome randle (@jerome_randle) November 29, 2022
But his game is nicely nuanced as well. He handles the ball well for a player who projects as a four or a five and he has the ability to stretch the floor with his jump shot.
Attributes that could and should see Sommerville make an early impact at Rutgers.
In addition to dominating around the basket, 6-foot-9 F Lathan Sommerville (@LathanSommervi2) has shot the ball well this morning at @TSFPrepHS workouts.
Really impressive outing from him. @hoopseen pic.twitter.com/Y2TL4Gx3DR
— Josh Tec (@_joshtec) September 14, 2022
He also has a nice touch in and around the basket, showing the ability to follow his own shot as well. What’s impressive about Sommerville is that for a player his size, he does a very nice job of creating his own shot. His intermediate jump shot is set-up well and he doesn’t shoot recklessly.
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It is a very encouraging part of his game that oftentimes is one of the last tools that a big man will develop.
‘24 Lathan Sommerville has put P5 coaches on notice 🧐@LathanSommervi2 @TSFPrepHS @TreyScotti pic.twitter.com/fu3GTD5Ep7
— Jamie Shaw (@JamieShaw5) November 9, 2021
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