Somto Cyril, the Miami Hurricanes men’s basketball program’s dominant shot-blocker, adds exceptional rim protection and explosive dunks to the team’s frontcourt from the transfer portal.
The Miami Hurricanes men’s basketball program gained its first transfer portal commitment of the offseason. According to On3, Georgia Bulldogs center Somto Cyril has committed to play for the school. He is coming off a career season with the Georgia Bulldogs: 9. 3 points on 75. 9 percent shooting, 5. 4 rebounds, and 2. 2 blocks in 33 games, leading the Southeastern Conference.
Cyril succeeds Ernest Udeh Jr. , who has announced his intention to enter the NBA Draft. He’s a physical center who provides a presence in the post, a lob-threat after leading the country with 83 dunks, and an outstanding rim protector. The Nigerian native received SEC All-Defensive team recognition and was on the watchlist for the Naismith National Defensive Player of the Year.
According to Rivals Industry Rankings, the incoming junior is ranked 16th nationally, fifth among centers, with a $1. 9 million N. I. L value among players in the transfer portal.
Cyril was a four-star prospect who attended Hamilton Heights Christian Academy before moving to Overtime Elite. In 36 games over two seasons at the private Tennessee institution, he averaged 6. 3 points on 69% shooting, 6. 7 rebounds, and 3. 6 blocks. Cyril drew interest and offers from a number of programs, including the Florida Gators, Ole Miss Rebels, Oklahoma State Cowboys, LSU Tigers, Kansas Jayhawks, Tennessee Volunteers, and Kentucky Wildcats, before committing to the Bulldogs on April 29, 2024.
The Hurricanes emphasize scoring in the paint and defense this season, both of which Cyril excels at. Udeh Jr. was a good rim protector, placing fifth in the Atlantic Coast Conference with 1. 4 blocks per game, but the 20-year-old has the potential to take his game to new heights.
Coach Jai Lucas is regarded as one of the top recruiters in the country, notably during his time as an assistant with the Kentucky Wildcats and the Duke Blue Devils. He wants to attract top-tier people to Coral Gables, Florida.
Cyril will share the frontcourt with emerging star Shelton Henderson and five-star incoming freshman forward Caleb Gaskins. They each offer length, size, and strength, which will be utilized effectively in defense. Cyril is 6-11.
The Hurricanes are coming off a record-breaking 26-9 season, finishing third in the ACC rankings and qualifying for the NCAA Tournament for the first time since their 2023 “Final Four” run. Coach Lucas hopes to capitalize on recent success and aim for new heights. Cyril is most likely the first domino to collapse as the offseason and transfer portal activity unfolds, but it’s a crucial step.
