The Miami Hurricanes target elite shot-blocker Somto Cyril, aiming to bolster paint presence and defense after key roster departures and a strong 26-win season.
Coming off a historic 26-9 season, the Miami Hurricanes men’s basketball program will look to take things a step further. There will be opportunities to revamp the roster, especially with the departures of seniors Tre Donaldson, Malik Renau, and Ernest Udeh Jr. Also, junior guards Tru Washington and Noam Dovrat are entering the transfer portal, leaving extra voids to fill.
Both Shelton Henderson and Dante Allen committed to returning for next year, coming off productive freshmen seasons. Five-star forward and Miami native Caleb Gaskins is set to join the team, looking to be an immediate factor.
The transfer portal officially opens on Tuesday, April 7, which is when the Hurricanes can add top-market talent, such as center Somto Cyril. He’s coming off a career season with the Georgia Bulldogs, averaging 9.3 points on 75.9 percent shooting, 5.4 rebounds, and led the Southeastern Conference with 2.2 blocks in 33 games. According to CanesInSight, the Hurricanes are expected to show interest and be involved in the recruiting process.
Cyril was a four-star recruit coming from Overtime Elite. He received interest and offers from the Florida Gators, Ole Miss Rebels, Alabama Crimson Tide, Oklahoma State Cowboys, Kentucky Wildcats, and Cincinnati Bearcats before committing to the Bulldogs.
The 20-year-old fits the bill in what coach Jai Lucas looks for in a center: physical, paint presence, lob threat, rebounding, and rim protection. He was named First Team SEC All-Defense.
This past season, the Hurricanes weren’t a great three-point shooting team, but made up for it by causing damage inside the arc. They led the Atlantic Coast Conference with a 49.7 field goal percentage.
The Bulldogs finished with a 22-11 overall record, 10-6 in SEC play. The team made the NCAA Tournament as an eighth seed in the Midwest Region. However, the appearance was short-lived after a 102-77 loss to the St. Louis Billikens in the Round of 64.
Cyril has two years of eligibility remaining.
Coach Lucas built the Hurricanes around a defensive identity, making them a top choice for the Nigerian native.
The program is still building towards contention status, but has already established a new winning culture, foundation, and standard.
Cyril will likely have other schools looking to acquire his talents as soon as the transfer portal window officially opens. Coach Lucas is known as a top recruiter as an assistant coach with the Duke Blue Devils and Kentucky Wildcats. The 37-year-old’s skills will be tested in the upcoming hours.
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