Rutgers 4-star commit Lathan Sommerville makes statement on EYBL circuit

Less than two weeks since committing to Rutgers basketball, Top 100 recruit Lathan Sommerville made a strong statement on the EYBL circuit this past weekend. The 6’10” big man was a major factor in his team’s upset victory over the heralded New York Rens. It took place in Arizona during the second week of the April Live Period.

Sommerville produced 14 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 blocks and a steal in the win for Brad Beal Elite. It was his best performance over the past two weekends. The Rens are led by two 5-star recruits in the 2024 class. Both happen to be Rutgers targets in Dylan Harper and Naas Cunningham. It was an opportunity for Sommerville to step up under the national recruiting spotlight and he came through.

Rivals’ national recruiting director Rob Cassidy was impressed. On the Illinois native’s performance, Cassidy wrote“Somerville’s impact was bigger than his stat line, however, as the 230-pound center showed some serious athleticism and quickness. (He) even knocked down a three-pointer in an overtime victory that would have been impossible without his effort on both ends of the floor. Somerville is well-versed in using his broad-shoulders to create space under the basket and has added a post move or two to his repertoire over the past year.”

Cassidy added, “Should the future Scarlet Knight continue to play at his current level, he’s a solid bet to creep up the Rivals150 when the list refreshes in June.”

Sommerville is a 4-star 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.

He’s been a productive force for Brad Beal Elite, who have gone 6-2 through the first two weekends of EYBL play. The Rutgers commit is averaging 8.1 points, 6.1 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 1.4 blocks  in 21.3 minutes over eight games. He’s shooting 40.4% from two-point range, 1 of 2 from three and 64.5% from the foul line.

Credit Steve Pikiell and the staff for offering Sommerville all the way back in July 2021. They’ve been recruiting him since the beginning and it paid off. His rise up the rankings and on the EYBL circuit is proving Rutgers wise for their diligence.

Sommerville’s team is in good shape to qualify for the prestigious Peach Jam in July. It would be another opportunity for him to prove himself against the top competition. It is the most anticipated event on the AAU circuit.

Sommerville is part of a Rutgers 2024 recruiting class that includes 5-star big man Ace Bailey and 4-star point guard Dellquan Warren. 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. However, the addition of Sommerville is a huge piece in his own right and his stock continues to rise.

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