Episode No. 72 of The Scarlet Faithful podcast covers the 2024 recruiting class for Rutgers men’s basketball. With three top 100 players verbally committed, the Scarlet Knights are now No. 2 nationally in the cycle by 247 Sports composite rankings.
Lathan Sommerville is a 4-star big man who is currently ranked the No. 92 recruit nationally on the Rivals150. He also made ESPN’s Top 100 list last week, debuting at No. 90. In the 247 Sports composite rankings, the big man is listed at No. 94 overall and the No. 16 center in the 2024 class. The 6’9″ Sommerville is farther along offensively at this stage than is typical for big men. The potential for him to develop into a stretch center or forward is possible. He is a good decision maker and reliable inside at this stage of his game. He is having a very good season in the EYBL over the last month.
4-star point guard Dellquan Warren is 6’1″ and a Erie, Pennsylvania native. He ranks No. 61 nationally in the 247 Sports composite rankings for the 2024 class. Warren is also ranked the No. 7 point guard in the class and No. 4 in Pennsylvania by 247 Sports. He is an athletic playmaker on both ends of the floor who has the potential to become an elite on ball defender. He’s extremely tough and shooting 58% from two-point range in the EYBL this season.
The centerpiece of the is 5-star forward Ace Bailey. He’s ranked as the No. 4 overall recruit by 247 Sports composite rankings in the 2024 class. He is also rated the No. 1 wing but his versatility allows him to play multiple positions. Bailey is an ultra athletic, dynamic player who is can become an elite rim defender. His potential is immense.
Of course, No. 2 recruit Dylan Harper is still very much in play for Rutgers. Bailey has been actively recruiting him and they’ve played together recently as well. Harper is the brother of program great Ron Harper Jr. His recruitment is highly competitive with Duke and Indiana very much in the mix. However, if the elite combo guard ultimately decides to come to Rutgers, the 2024 class would elevate the potential of the program to great heights.
This episode covers the rise in the rankings for the 2024 recruiting class, analysis on all three current commits, the pursuit of Harper, how they all potentially fit together on the court and much more.
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Very nice summary of the ’24 class situation. I’m a believer in the whole being greater than the sum of the parts. What I like about Aaron’s summation is that this class shows the potential of being well balanced and a good fit in terms of the overall roster that Pikiell seems to be focused on in the recruiting process. The players appear to be complementary to one another as well as players already on the roster, which should translate to the type of team chemistry needed to reach the next level. It’s music to my ears to hear that they play hard and with serious intentions and focus. Rutgers seems poised to take the next step.
Now, I know this is probably best left for another podcast, but what I’d like to see next is an experienced, offensive minded coaching addition and a big man addition out of the transfer portal to address the current needs. I’ll trust that Pikiell is being methodical and on top of those more immediate needs. I look forward to Aaron’s updates on that aspect of the basketball program.
Ditto to everything that you said. My hope is that with the uptick in recruiting that more assistants will be drawn to the opportunity to come to work with a guy like Pikiell and high caliber players. It’s a great time to be an RU hoops fan. Now…hopefully Big Cliff will prove me wrong and come back for another run. Go RU!
pj43
May 17, 2023 at 2:44 pm
Very nice summary of the ’24 class situation. I’m a believer in the whole being greater than the sum of the parts. What I like about Aaron’s summation is that this class shows the potential of being well balanced and a good fit in terms of the overall roster that Pikiell seems to be focused on in the recruiting process. The players appear to be complementary to one another as well as players already on the roster, which should translate to the type of team chemistry needed to reach the next level. It’s music to my ears to hear that they play hard and with serious intentions and focus. Rutgers seems poised to take the next step.
Now, I know this is probably best left for another podcast, but what I’d like to see next is an experienced, offensive minded coaching addition and a big man addition out of the transfer portal to address the current needs. I’ll trust that Pikiell is being methodical and on top of those more immediate needs. I look forward to Aaron’s updates on that aspect of the basketball program.
BataliBoli98
May 18, 2023 at 10:46 pm
Ditto to everything that you said. My hope is that with the uptick in recruiting that more assistants will be drawn to the opportunity to come to work with a guy like Pikiell and high caliber players. It’s a great time to be an RU hoops fan. Now…hopefully Big Cliff will prove me wrong and come back for another run. Go RU!