Top 20 Somto Cyril talks LSU, Oscar Tshiebwe, G-League, etc.
Somto Cyril is the No. 19 player in the 2024 On3 Consensus. The 6-foot-11 center is one of the premier shot blockers in high school basketball.
“I am a defensive player,” Cyril told On3. “I like to play defense, do what I can to help my teammates win the game. My confidence with the ball in my hands, around the basket, has grown. I watch a lot of Shaquille O’Neal; people say I play like him. I watch a lot of Russell Westbrook because of his energy and Lebron James with how he gets his teammates involved too.”
His play at Chattanooga (TN) Hamilton Heights Academy has opened the eyes of college programs. On3 caught up with Somto Cyril while playing with his EAB AAU program on the Adidas 3SSB Circuit.
“I have been to Kentucky and Tennessee State on unofficial visits,” Cyril said. “LSU is my most recent offer. I want to visit more this summer and see all the schools that offered me, but we haven’t set any of those up yet.”
Cyril talks recruitment
Kentucky: “I had a chance to meet with Oscar Tshiebwe and have a conversation with him. We talked a lot about how they get big men involved. He is from Africa, too, so we talked about stuff outside of basketball. Kentucky is a great place.”
Tennessee State: “They brought me to the campus to see everything. They showed me around the campus and their buildings. It was nice.”
LSU: “They called my high school coach, Coach (Steve) Cook, and offered. They talked about how much they like my game and, you know, Shaq went there. I am trying to set up a visit with them this summer.”
G-League and Overtime Elite
“I have not been in contact with G-League or Overtime Elite yet,” Cyril said. “But if they contacted me, of course, I would listen. I mean, why not? It is an opportunity. I want to be a pro, which is an opportunity not everyone gets, so yes, I would listen to them.”
Cyril’s take
“I want to go to a place where they can use me for what I do and also help me improve my game,” Cyril said. “I want to go to a place where I won’t sit on the bench, where I will be able to play early. and impact games.”
On3’s take
Somto Cyril is a premier rim protector, one of the best in the country regardless of class. He has a great frame, strong shoulders, and very long arms. He battles around the basket, a good rebounder both in and out of his area. Cyril is still raw offensively; his hands are solid with balls thrown above his chest. He does not provide much offense outside of ten feet; he is a rim runner, dunker spot type—difference-maker on the defensive end.