OT: Fonseca: Lathan Somerville has strong initial list

[rutgersal]

In his first 30 hours in the portal, Sommerville heard from Michigan, Ohio State, USC, Washington, Tennessee Cincinnati, Butler, Oklahoma State and Texas A&M, his agent Ryan Murphy told On3’s Joe Tipton on Tuesday night.

Rutgers transfer Lathan Sommerville’s recruitment starts strong: Which schools have reached out?

Former Rutgers center Lathan Sommerville is hearing from some heavy hitters in the day since he entered the transfer portal.

www.nj.com

My take: This is not good, because richer schools are using Rutgers as their farm team. 3rd straight season where richer schools poached our best player. UConn- Cam Spencer; Bama- Cliff Omoruyi

 

[newell138]

In his first 30 hours in the portal, Sommerville heard from Michigan, Ohio State, USC, Washington, Tennessee Cincinnati, Butler, Oklahoma State and Texas A&M, his agent Ryan Murphy told On3’s Joe Tipton on Tuesday night.

Rutgers transfer Lathan Sommerville’s recruitment starts strong: Which schools have reached out?

Former Rutgers center Lathan Sommerville is hearing from some heavy hitters in the day since he entered the transfer portal.

www.nj.com

My take: This is not good, because richer schools are using Rutgers as their farm team. 3rd straight season where richer schools poached our best player. UConn- Cam Spencer; Bama- Cliff Omoruyi

That’s how it works. Where have you been? Not necessarily richer in money but richer with history of success. All of those teams are in the tournament every year, we aren’t. Kids want to get paid but it’s also nice to win too

 

[Roy_Faulker]

Hope he goes out of conference.

 

[SBP]

He made strides in “being a better team mate”… yea ok. 👋

 

[PSAL_Hoops]

Who cares? Yes - we already know there are schools who will be able to afford to pay to field two $750K+ bigs on their roster. We can’t. I promise you Lathan won’t be the number one hog at the 5 on any major conference roster. If he is, that team won’t be very good. He’ll be a complement and collect a nice check for that role. Good for him.

We are not in a position to start this off season cycle by shelling out 20% of our entire allotment to a center who currently has not yet exhibited an ability to play defense. And Lathan reportedly asked for even more than that. So that was that. It’s really that simple.

 

[satnom]

If an incoming freshman is complaining about bringing in a player to compete at their position that’s a red flag right there. Pike should have brought in another center last summer. Lathan would not have changed school that late and there was too much RU hype pre-season to pass up opportunity to play with two future lottery pick players.

By all accounts, Pike is a great person and teacher but lesson has to be learned. No more turning over the keys of the program to freshmen players.

GO RU

 

[bac2therac]

This was already posted days ago in the Lathan thread

 

[PSAL_Hoops]

@ Al. I’m going to double down on what I said on some of the other strings. We would’ve done better last season with no center like Lathan and a kid like Mag on the roster instead (pretend the drama last season didn’t happen - just talking about his basketball game).

Along these lines - my gut tells me Pike is convinced that Nwuli is coming in very game ready to be his next Caleb / Mag defensive stopper. I’m not like you and some others who predict the moon about recruits. But this situation is different based on the actions Pike took to land him which were very un Rutgerslike. I have no clue what we paid for Nwuli as as frosh, but the recruiting reports say we came in at the 18th hour and outbid the 6 frontrunners after Pike watched him play in the AAU circuit as was impressed by his D. Had to have him. What does that mean? None of us know for sure the frosh market but that’s where Pike chose, as an example to take a gamble.

We have another crap shoot lined up already for back up center in Ware. He didn’t want to pay a premium to lock in Lathan and gamble that his defense would improve enough to help us. I’m not seeing why this is a bad look as opposed to a strategic decision he made in terms of the direction he wants to move the program? We can’t start off with two defensive question marks locked in at center. Do you not get this?

 

[RUDivision]

@ Al. I’m going to double down on what I said on some of the other strings. We would’ve done better last season with no center like Lathan and a kid like Mag on the roster instead (pretend the drama last season didn’t happen - just talking about his basketball game).

Along these lines - my gut tells me Pike is convinced that Nwuli is coming in very game ready to be his next Caleb / Mag defensive stopper. I’m not like you and some others who predict the moon about recruits. But this situation is different based on the actions Pike took to land him which were very un Rutgerslike. I have no clue what we paid for Nwuli as as frosh, but the recruiting reports say we came in at the 18th hour and outbid the 6 frontrunners after Pike watched him play in the AAU circuit as was impressed by his D. Had to have him. What does that mean? None of us know for sure the frosh market but that’s where Pike chose, as an example to take a gamble.

We have another crap shoot lined up already for back up center in Ware. He didn’t want to pay a premium to lock in Lathan and gamble that his defense would improve enough to help us. I’m not seeing why this is a bad look as opposed to a strategic decision he made in terms of the direction he wants to move the program? We can’t start off with two defensive question marks locked in at center. Do you not get this?

Back up center ? Who’s the starting center?

 

[PSAL_Hoops]

Back up center ? Who’s the starting center?

He cannot be it.

I don’t care if he scores 14 ppg. I’d rather have an experienced senior like the UNC Wilmington kid we’re supposedly targeting whose steadily improved all 4 years. Pair that with Ware who very well might end up being a better defensive rebounding version of Lathan.

Also - see my post above. My view is we would’ve done better with no true starting center this season and an additional forward like Mag. Just Ogbole and Martini to back up a combo of Mag / Ace up front. I’d rather pay more for forwards, bring in an experienced mid-major center to go with Ware - than give Lathan the million he asked for. Richie alluded that who knows if that would even be enough. $1m was to start the conversation. Lol

 

[RUJMM78]

The notion that next seasons roster will be more talented than the previous two seasons is truly wishful thinking.The B1G Ten is getting tougher with the addition of the four west coast teams and Rutgers is stuck in neutral as other league teams pass them in league rankings.

 

[PSAL_Hoops]

The notion that next seasons roster will be more talented than the previous two seasons is truly wishful thinking.The B1G Ten is getting tougher with the addition of the four west coast teams and Rutgers is stuck in neutral as other league teams pass them in league rankings.

More talented doesn’t always result in more wins. Let’s see what happens with the roster.

 

[RUDivision]

@ Al. I’m going to double down on what I said on some of the other strings. We would’ve done better last season with no center like Lathan and a kid like Mag on the roster instead (pretend the drama last season didn’t happen - just talking about his basketball game).

Along these lines - my gut tells me Pike is convinced that Nwuli is coming in very game ready to be his next Caleb / Mag defensive stopper. I’m not like you and some others who predict the moon about recruits. But this situation is different based on the actions Pike took to land him which were very un Rutgerslike. I have no clue what we paid for Nwuli as as frosh, but the recruiting reports say we came in at the 18th hour and outbid the 6 frontrunners after Pike watched him play in the AAU circuit as was impressed by his D. Had to have him. What does that mean? None of us know for sure the frosh market but that’s where Pike chose, as an example to take a gamble.

We have another crap shoot lined up already for back up center in Ware. He didn’t want to pay a premium to lock in Lathan and gamble that his defense would improve enough to help us. I’m not seeing why this is a bad look as opposed to a strategic decision he made in terms of the direction he wants to move the program? We can’t start off with two defensive question marks locked in at center. Do you not get this?

So we came in last minute for Nwuli and outbid some really good schools. Schools that appropriately had him priced as a bench role player.

Pike came in late and likely overpaid to make him a starter here. A young man that needs 25 lbs and another 2 years to be a frontline starter. Now you want us paying for a back up center in Ware?

Let’s hope we buy out Pike in 10 months.

 

[Greene Rice FIG]

We would have been in 2024-2025 if Lathan was out for the year. I have been tough on Ace’s D but Somerville was the biggest issue. We would have been better playing Grant, Dortch, or even Martini at 5

 

[PSAL_Hoops]

So we came in last minute for Nwuli and outbid some really good schools. Schools that appropriately had him priced as a bench role player.

Pike came in late and likely overpaid to make him a starter here. A young man that needs 25 lbs and another 2 years to be a frontline starter. Now you want us paying for a back up center in Ware?

Let’s hope we buy out Pike in 10 months.

I highly doubt that. Did you see his list? SDSU recruits defense. They were the front runner.

 

[IMARUFAN]

I have to assume most schools are looking at Lathan as a power forward. At 6'9", he's too small to play center.

Plus, he's clearly disinclined to exert himself when it comes to defense or rebounding. That shortcoming might be less of an issue if he were playing with a legit rim protector.

Funny, however, that very few posters here have praised his playing ability but now are freaking out that "we're a feeder school" and are losing a key player.

Given his lack of effort on defense, I'm pretty sure Pike is just fine with Lathan moving on.

 

[Greene Rice FIG]

There were multiple occasions where Ace was wide open on the perimeter and Lathan, on purpose, didnt pass him the ball.

This was not Lathan being selfish. It was much worse.

 

[RUDivision]

I highly doubt that. Did you see his list? SDSU recruits defense. They were the front runner.

I did he was being recruited as a role bench player for power 4 schools and a reach starter for some lower level schools. No doubt he has “potential “.

Pike outbidding late is not a good sign at all. I hope your right

 

[PSAL_Hoops]

We would have been in 2024-2025 if Lathan was out for the year. I have been tough on Ace’s D but Somerville was the biggest issue. We would have been better playing Grant, Dortch, or even Martini at 5

Have you seen the scouting reports on Nwuli? I’ve never followed recruiting before and refuse to get caught up in kids until they sign on with us. The decommitment thing drives me crazy. But after this season I had to research the pipeline coming in and watch some film…

Everything said about Nwuli aligns with the type of kid we’ve been hoping for but not seeing in the recruiting classes over the past few seasons. Dortch plays some D but the rest of his game may be too limiting. I’m cautiously optimistic Nwuli could be the next generation of Caleb with perhaps a better transition game.

 

[RutgersClassof2004]

In his first 30 hours in the portal, Sommerville heard from Michigan, Ohio State, USC, Washington, Tennessee Cincinnati, Butler, Oklahoma State and Texas A&M, his agent Ryan Murphy told On3’s Joe Tipton on Tuesday night.

Rutgers transfer Lathan Sommerville’s recruitment starts strong: Which schools have reached out?

Former Rutgers center Lathan Sommerville is hearing from some heavy hitters in the day since he entered the transfer portal.

www.nj.com

My take: This is not good, because richer schools are using Rutgers as their farm team. 3rd straight season where richer schools poached our best player. UConn- Cam Spencer; Bama- Cliff Omoruyi

Monster list. Incredible stuff.

 

[RutgersClassof2004]

I see him at Ohio State or Tennessee

 

[PSAL_Hoops]

I did he was being recruited as a role bench player for power 4 schools and a reach starter for some lower level schools. No doubt he has “potential “.

Pike outbidding late is not a good sign at all. I hope your right

Huh? Nobody is recruited as a frosh to be a role player. Not anywhere. Thats a silly statement.

He ranks 41st recruit in the country (ESPN) specifically because of his D and you assume other teams wanted him as a bench warmer?

 

[RUDivision]

Have you seen the scouting reports on Nwuli? I’ve never followed recruiting before and refuse to get caught up in kids until they sign on with us. The decommitment thing drives me crazy. But after this season I had to research the pipeline coming in and watch some film…

Everything said about Nwuli aligns with the type of kid we’ve been hoping for but not seeing in the recruiting classes over the past few seasons. Dortch plays some D but the rest of his game may be too limiting. I’m cautiously optimistic Nwuli could be the next generation of Caleb with perhaps a better transition game.

I think it’s fair to be cautious and optimistic but he’s 2 years away from that.

If this was 5 years ago I would be more optimistic. Over paying for a player you will develop and then let walk is a terrible strategy for us. IMO

 

[RUDivision]

Huh? Nobody is recruited as a frosh to be a role player. Not anywhere. Thats a silly statement.
[/QUOTE

Umm all of the power 4 do it! The elite Freshman play and start but most have a role coming off the bench and our not thrown into the fire.

Once again I hope your right

 

[PSAL_Hoops]

I think it’s fair to be cautious and optimistic but he’s 2 years away from that.

If this was 5 years ago I would be more optimistic. Over paying for a player you will develop and then let walk is a terrible strategy for us. IMO

“Overpaying” for a frosh likely means giving them 25k more than the next guy. It’s a gamble Pike was willing to take probably because he spotted a kid playing tenacious D in an AAU setting where D is rarely played.

Overpaying for Lathan means hundreds of thousands more than bringing in a mid-major center who definitely won’t be a drop off on D because that would be impossible. Do you not see the difference?

 

[PSAL_Hoops]

Nobody recruits someone they think will at best be a role player. Thats the most ridiculous statement. You think the 41st best recruit in the country projects by most teams to have ceiling of role player? Based on what?

Everyone you choose to recruit you see a path to have a big impact on your team. Not everyone pans out.

 

[RUDivision]

“Overpaying” for a frosh likely means giving them 25k more than the next guy. It’s a gamble Pike was willing to take probably because he spotted a kid playing tenacious D in an AAU setting where D is rarely played.
I do and I agree with you on Lathan! You used Caleb and Mag as comps for a young man who played D at a AAU tournament.

All I am saying is he will not be that guy year 1 and if he shows that potential like you suggested he will be gone. So what does over paying even 1 dollar really accomplish next year?


Overpaying for Lathan means hundreds of thousands more than bringing in a mid-major center who definitely won’t be a drop off on D because that would be impossible. Do you not see the difference?

 

[RUDivision]

All I am saying is he will not be that guy year 1 and if he shows that potential like you suggested he will be gone. So what does over paying even 1 dollar really accomplish next year?

 

[RUDivision]

Nobody recruits someone they think will at best be a role player. Thats the most ridiculous statement. You think the 41st best recruit in the country projects by most teams to have ceiling of role player? Based on what?
A ceiling no but in year 1 and 2 yes that’s what good to great college teams do.
Everyone you choose to recruit you see a path to have a big impact on your team. Not everyone pans out.

 

[RUDivision]

Nobody recruits someone they think will at best be a role player. Thats the most ridiculous statement. You think the 41st best recruit in the country projects by most teams to have ceiling of role player? Based on what?

Everyone you choose to recruit you see a path to have a big impact on your team. Not everyone pans out.

A ceiling no but in year 1 and 2 yes that’s what good to great college teams do.
Everyone you choose to recruit you see a path to have a big impact on your team. Not everyone pans out.

 

[Shelby65]

Nobody recruits someone they think will at best be a role player. Thats the most ridiculous statement. You think the 41st best recruit in the country projects by most teams to have ceiling of role player? Based on what?

Everyone you choose to recruit you see a path to have a big impact on your team. Not everyone pans out.

not really. not everyone has big impact hopes by the coaching staff. Some are roster fill. Jalen Miller, Antonio Chol, Ogbole etc.

The players see a path…and they soon find out the coaches feel differently and they exit stage left.

 

[RUChoppin]

Nobody recruits someone they think will at best be a role player. Thats the most ridiculous statement. You think the 41st best recruit in the country projects by most teams to have ceiling of role player? Based on what?

Everyone you choose to recruit you see a path to have a big impact on your team. Not everyone pans out.

Sure they do. Sometimes you recruit one guy in the hopes of it helping you land a different guy, for instance. Or you recruit a guy who is a project that you know won't be an impact player for 2-3 years, and will likely be at best a role player as a freshman and sophomore. Or it's very late, and you have not fully completed your roster and are desperate.

All of that math is now changing, though, with the elimination of nearly all transfer rules, and the added transfer incentive of NIL.

 

[toby83]

Lol at this article

His agent calls every media guy he knows

Negotiations 101

Of course they are interested then narrow after price tag

Not a guy for Rutgers to build around

 

[RUDivision]

Sure they do. Sometimes you recruit one guy in the hopes of it helping you land a different guy, for instance. Or you recruit a guy who is a project that you know won't be an impact player for 2-3 years, and will likely be at best a role player as a freshman and sophomore. Or it's very late, and you have not fully completed your roster and are desperate.

All of that math is now changing, though, with the elimination of nearly all transfer rules, and the added transfer incentive of NIL.

Agreed!

Only reason JMike is in the team is Ace .
Dercack brought in because of his brother!

Both Grant and Dortch were brought in as project role players.

This happens all the time. The difference is the good coaches and programs are filling holes and we are a dead program starting from scratch.

 

[Jerseylegends]

Dylan Grant is the best returning player...if they lose him then ring the alarm. Somerville is not a good fit for this team, the way Rutgers wants to play. Need a real big man that can rebound and block shots..

 

[BG1973]

Lol at this article

His agent calls every media guy he knows

Negotiations 101

Of course they are interested then narrow after price tag

Not a guy for Rutgers to build around

I typically try not to be harsh on kids but Somerville was a cancer to this program. I don’t want to hear about his offensive skills and free throws. Was a selfish player that played no defense and cost us a better center. Glad he is gone.

 

[cRURah]

In his first 30 hours in the portal, Sommerville heard from Michigan, Ohio State, USC, Washington, Tennessee Cincinnati, Butler, Oklahoma State and Texas A&M, his agent Ryan Murphy told On3’s Joe Tipton on Tuesday night.

Rutgers transfer Lathan Sommerville’s recruitment starts strong: Which schools have reached out?

Former Rutgers center Lathan Sommerville is hearing from some heavy hitters in the day since he entered the transfer portal.

www.nj.com

My take: This is not good, because richer schools are using Rutgers as their farm team. 3rd straight season where richer schools poached our best player. UConn- Cam Spencer; Bama- Cliff Omoruyi

Get used to it Al. RU will NEVER have more
money than those schools and many many others. We also have one of the least impressive basketball histories of any school out there. And we play in an antiquated gymnasium. We played in 1 final four and went 0-2, that was almost half a century ago. And did you know we got that far because a Princeton player missed a free throw, despite having 6 or 7 of the most amazing athletes RU has ever put on a court.
We had the opportunity of a lifetime this past season to establish a legacy, and we totally fu’k’d it up, damaging our reputation even further.
Under the current system in college basketball, Rutgers will always be a feeder school. There’s simply not enough enthusiasm or interest in athletics among the student body, alumni base, faculty and community to change it. It is deep rooted in the culture of the institution. Football or basketball simply rank lower in importance at RU than at many other colleges. That’s not necessarily bad or good, it’s just how it is.

 

[PSAL_Hoops]

Sure they do. Sometimes you recruit one guy in the hopes of it helping you land a different guy, for instance. Or you recruit a guy who is a project that you know won't be an impact player for 2-3 years, and will likely be at best a role player as a freshman and sophomore. Or it's very late, and you have not fully completed your roster and are desperate.

All of that math is now changing, though, with the elimination of nearly all transfer rules, and the added transfer incentive of NIL.

The point is - division is just being a negative jerk. There is zero reason to assume that the 6 teams most actively pursuing the 41st rate recruit in the 2025 class were all doing so with a plan of him being a perennial back up. Zero basis for that assumption. Frosh don’t command that much NIL period unless they are top 10 national recruits. The fact that we wanted this kid enough to offer more money than we or others typically would does not automatically mean the other 6 teams see his ceiling as utility player.

 

[RUChow]

He made strides in “being a better team mate”… yea ok. 👋

Unless you know the kid or have coached him it is unfair to make that judgement.

 

[RUChow]

Agreed!

Only reason JMike is in the team is Ace .
Dercack brought in because of his brother!

Both Grant and Dortch were brought in as project role players.

This happens all the time. The difference is the good coaches and programs are filling holes and we are a dead program starting from scratch.

I don't think the JMike Ace thing is true although many like to believe it. On a recruiting trip to see Ace Pikiel fell in love with JMike - happens all the time. And if once we already got Ace and knew we only had him for only one year, then JWill would have hardly played by your reasoning.