Overtime Elite signs 6-11, 250-pound big man Somto Cyril

Somto Cyril, a 6-foot-11, 250-pound center in the class of 2024, has signed a scholarship with the Overtime Elite league, he told On3.

Cyril will forgo a salary in order to maintain his college eligibility. He has accepted OTE’s secondary option of a scholarship. This allows him to play, train, and participate in their league, while also being able to profit off of his name, image, and likeness.

Tennessee, Kansas, Memphis, Florida, LSU, Cincinnati, and others have extended scholarships.

The Nigerian native ranks as the No. 25 overall prospect in the 2023 class, according to the On3 Consensus, the average ranking from all four major recruiting media companies. On3’s evaluators are much higher on him, ranking him 10th overall in the class.

Side note: Cyril also boasts a 7-foot-6 wingspan.

Somto Cyril breaks down his decision

Several months ago, Cyril tripped to Atlanta for Overtime Elite’s Pro Day, and on the spot, knew that’s where he wanted to be.

“I visited Overtime Elite for their pro day, and when I went down there, I was like ‘this is the place, this is where I want to be,'” Cyril said to On3.

Why did Cyril opt for the Overtime Elite league over a traditional high school setting?

“I feel like this is the route for me to take to help me prepare for the league,” he says. “Overtime has everything for me to get better and help me get ready for the next level. I’m betting on myself. I want to prove that this is the right decision. 

“I feel like this is a stepping stone for me to learn to do everything I need to be successful in life.”

Scouting Summary

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. – On3’s Jamie Shaw, National Recruiting Analyst

Additional information on OTE

Overtime Elite (OTE) is a professional basketball league featuring top 17-20-year-old domestic and international players. There are three teams in the league, and games are played primarily at the OTE Arena in Atlanta. OTE, owned and operated by Overtime, brings fans as close as possible to the action through broad digital distribution on accounts that have millions of followers. 

While playing in the league, players receive innovative, cutting-edge education and training to prepare them for college and professional basketball. OTE’s three founding sponsors are State Farm, Gatorade and Meta Quest.

Every contracted OTE player is offered a six-figure salary, with a guaranteed minimum salary of at least $100,000 per year. Not to mention, bonuses and shares of equity in Overtime. In addition, players will participate in revenue from use of their name, image and likeness, including through sales of custom jerseys, trading cards, video games and NFTs. Starting this season, players have the option to choose a scholarship or salary option.