4-star big man Lathan Sommerville commits to Rutgers

Rutgers basketball received a third verbal commitment in the class of 2024 on Friday as 4-star big man Lathan Sommerville pledged to the program. A 6’9″ forward/center from Peoria, Illinois averaged 13.3 points, 6.8 rebounds and 1.5 blocks per game for The Skill Factory in Atlanta, Georgia.

He is a 4-star prospect and No. 90 recruit per ESPN as well as the No. 92 recruit nationally per Rivals. Sommerville was a highly sought after big man who was considering a list of seven schools that included Villanova, Seton Hall, Virginia Tech that ultimately came down to Rutgers, Missouri, and Bradley. Marcellus Sommerville, Lathan’s father, was a three-time All-MVC player at Bradley who scored 1,493 career points in just three seasons. He played professionally in France with current Rutgers assistant TJ Thompson. It was Rutgers, Bradley and Wake Forest who first offered Sommerville back in July 2021.

The Peoria, Illinois native took an official visit to Rutgers in February. He told Jamie Shaw in January that “I really like Rutgers. I talk to them pretty regularly; they like how I play. They tell me to play my game, rebound, play hard, let the game to you, and they will always have a spot for me If I want to go there.” He told Joe Tipton of On3 in March that “I really like their coaching staff. They are great people on and off the court. Great environment, great fans, and they get their players better.”

As for a scouting report on Sommerville, On3’s Jamie Shaw said this:

“Lathan Sommerville has a strong frame with good size and length. You notice the patience and ability to the block. He has good hands with touch that extends out to 18-feet. Sommerville has patience on the block. He has good footwork and a go-to over his right shoulder. He is a below the rim big but a good area rebounder. Will like to see him expand the ball skills and range, but the production is clear at this point of his development as he is tracking as a regional prospect.”

National recruiting analyst Patrick O’Brien of Phenom hoops said in January of Sommerville that he is
“such a skilled big. He is relentless on the boards, and his skillset s impressive at his size. Runs the floor well, great feel in the post, and such a presence on the boards.”

This is a big addition for Rutgers. Sommerville has a versatile skill set who can handle and pass the basketball well for a big man. He gives the appearance of an old school bruising big man but has good footwork and moves well in traffic. His willingness to defend and rebound is a plus for a big man who is farther ahead in his offensive development than most.

Rutgers now has three verbal commitments in the class of 2024: 5-star big man Ace Bailey, 4-star point guard Dellquan Warren and now 4-star big man Lathan Sommerville. Of course, 5-star combo guard Dylan Harper remains the top priority for RU. If Steve Pikiell can add Harper, the 2024 recruiting class would likely finish in the top 5 nationally.

You can watch highlights of Sommerville here.

Tuff…🦍 #basketballdreams #DemiGodz @BradBealElite @Ballislife @247HSHoops @espn @SLAM_HS @TSFPrepHS @RealDealBeal23 pic.twitter.com/tWtvpWLMj3

— Lathan Sommerville (@LathanSommervi2) July 30, 2022

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