Dominant shot-blocker Somto Cyril brings elite rim protection and explosive dunks to the Miami Hurricanes men's basketball program, bolstering the team's frontcourt from the transfer portal.
The Miami Hurricanes men’s basketball program secured its first transfer portal acquisition of the offseason. Georgia Bulldogs center Somto Cyril has committed to joining the team, according to On3. He’s coming off a career season with the Georgia Bulldogs: 9.3 points on 75.9 percent shooting, 5.4 rebounds, and led the Southeastern Conference with 2.2 blocks in 33 games.
Cyril replaces Ernest Udeh Jr., who declared for the upcoming NBA Draft. He’s a physical center who brings a presence in the paint, a lob-threat after leading the nation with 83 dunks, and an elite rim protector. The Nigerian native earned SEC All-Defensive team honors and made the watchlist for the Naismith National Defensive Player of the Year.
The incoming junior is ranked 16th nationally, fifth among centers, and has a $1.9 million N.I.L value among players in the transfer portal, according to Rivals Industry Rankings.
Cyril was a four-star recruit coming from Hamilton Heights Christian Academy before transferring to Overtime Elite. He averaged 6.3 points on 69 percent shooting, 6.7 rebounds, and 3.6 blocks in 36 games over two seasons with the private Tennessee institution. Cyril received interest and offers from numerous programs, including the Florida Gators, Ole Miss Rebels, Oklahoma State Cowboys, LSU Tigers, Kansas Jayhawks, Tennessee Volunteers, and Kentucky Wildcats, among others, before committing to the Bulldogs on April 29, 2024.
This past season, the Hurricanes prioritized points in the paint and defense, which Cyril fits the bill in both categories. Udeh Jr. was a strong rim protector, tied for fifth in the Atlantic Coast Conference with 1.4 blocks a game, but the 20-year-old is capable of reaching another level.
Coach Jai Lucas is known as one of the top recruiters in the nation, especially as an assistant with the Kentucky Wildcats and Duke Blue Devils. He looks to draw high-caliber talent to Coral Gables, Florida.
Cyril will share a frontcourt with rising star Shelton Henderson and five-star incoming freshman forward Caleb Gaskins. They each provide length, size, and strength, which will work strategically on defense. Cyril is listed at 6-11 and weighs 260 pounds.
The Hurricanes are coming off a historic 26-9 season, finishing third in the ACC standings, and reaching the NCAA Tournament for the first time since the 2023 “Final Four” run. Coach Lucas looks to build off the recent success and reach newer heights. Cyril is likely only the first domino to fall as the offseason and transfer portal movement unfold, but it's a significant start.
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