'24 Lathan Sommerville talks early Xavier and Wake Forest offers

There was a buzz surrounding sophomore Lathan Sommerville that continued to grow throughout the season. By the end of the season, the 6-foot-8 post from Atlanta (GA) The-Skills-Factory was a double-double machine, playing a national schedule.

“I’m most effective in the post and the mid-post,” Sommerville told On3. “I got post moves and fade-aways from my spots. I can pick and pop; I’m a three-level scorer. I have a good skill-set for a guy my size. I’m becoming more dangerous with the ball because my reads have become a lot better, moving the ball. I watch a lot of Nikola Jokic and his playmaking and reads, and I watch Joel Embiid and how he scores the ball.”

This summer, he is playing with Brad Beal Elite on Nike’s 16u EYBL circuit. On3 caught up with Lathan Sommerville before the summer to see where his recruiting stood.

“I have offers from Wake Forest, Rutgers, Xavier, and Bradley. I have taken unofficial visits to Wake Forest and Xavier.”

Sommerville talks recruiting

Wake Forest: “I learned they are like a family and have a bond. I saw guys like Tim Duncan and Chris Paul played there. So I like their background. They get the ball to their bigs, they had a great season, and coach (Steve) Forbes is building them into a good program.”

Xavier: “They were ranked top 15 in the country at one point this season. They bring a lot of energy around the program. They play a lot through their bigs, give them a lot of touches and let them make plays. I like the campus a lot.”

“Of the schools who have not offered yet, we hear a lot from Purdue and Dayton,” Sommerville said.

Sommerville’s take

“I want to go to a program that plays through their bigs and lets them play freely,” Sommerville said. “I don’t want to go to a place that puts their bigs in a box; they spread the floor and play inside-out.”

Sommerville’s lineage

“I come from a basketball family,” Sommerville said. “My dad, Marcellus Sommerville, played at Bradley and then professionally overseas. My mom, Brooke Petty (now Brooke Sommerville), played at Illinois State.”

On3’s take

Lathan Sommerville has a strong frame with good size and length. You notice the patience and ability to the block. He has good hands with touch that extends out to 18-feet. Sommerville has patience on the block. He has good footwork and a go-to over his right shoulder. He is a below the rim big but a good area rebounder. Will like to see him expand the ball skills and range, but the production is clear at this point of his development as he is tracking as a regional prospect.