4-star C Somto Cyril commits to Kentucky, will likely remain in 2024 class

MrsTylerKSR

somto-cyril-commits-kentucky-reclassifies-2023 — Photos by UK Athletics

Kentucky has landed its first pledge in the 2024 class. Four-star center Somto Cyril has committed to the Wildcats, according to Travis Branham. Previously, there was talk that Cyril would reclassify to 2023 to join the team this year, but a source tells Branham and KSR that is unlikely as of today.

Cyril, a native of Enugu, Nigeria, came to the United States in 2021 and played for Hamilton Heights Christian Academy in Chattanooga, Tennessee, the alma mater of former Kentucky guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. The 6’10” 240 lbs. center joined OTE last season and was teammates with Kentucky freshman guard Robert Dillingham, who will play for the Wildcats this season.

Cyril — who boasts a 7’5″ wingspan — averaged 8.1 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 3.4 blocks per game while shooting over 66 percent from the floor last season at OTE. He is rated as a four-star prospect and the No. 38 player in the 2024 On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. On3 ranks him as the No. 4 center.

At 6’10” 240 lbs., Cyril earned the nickname “Baby Shaq” for his size and penchant for shattering backboards. Even in Nigeria, he followed Kentucky Basketball growing up.

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“They know how to play basketball, it’s a winning team,” Cyril told KSR in February. “I know they’re having a rough season right now, but the Kentucky I know and the one I grew up watching has been a winning team from the very beginning. Hopefully, they’ll get it back together, get some wins. I love watching Kentucky basketball.”

Welcome to the fam, Cyril. We’ll see you next year.

On3 Scouting Report on Somto Cyril

“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, and violently tries to dunk everything around the rim.”
– On3’s Jamie Shaw

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