IU basketball recruiting names to know — class of 2024 center Somto Cyril

Indiana continues to look for enticing options to replenish its front court, and that search has taken them to one of the top big man prospects in the country.

The IU staff is taking a close look at class of 2024 center Somtochukwu “Somto” Cyril.

247Sports national reporter Travis Branham reported Indiana’s involvement last week, and The Daily Hoosier has confirmed that via a source.

At 7-foot, 240 pounds, with a 7-foot-6 wingspan, Cyril has a massive frame.

Originally from Nigeria, he arrived in the United States in January of 2021. Cyril started out at Hamilton Heights Christian Academy in Chattanooga, Tenn. but now plays for the Overtime Elite program in Atlanta. He joined that organization as a scholarship player, meaning that he is not paid as a professional and will thus retain his college eligibility.

As a sophomore at Hamilton Heights, Cyril averaged 8.1 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 4.7 blocks per game while shooting 70 percent from the field.

For travel basketball, Cyril plays for EAB Tennessee on the Adidas 3SSB circuit.

Cyril has earned the nickname “Baby Shaq” due to both his size and high-end ability as a rebounder and shot-blocker. On3 national analyst Jamie Shaw described his game this way:

“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.”

According to the 247Sports Composite, Cyril is a 4-star prospect, the No. 23 player in the 2024 class, and the No. 4 center.

Cyril has scholarship offers from high majors Arizona State, Florida, Georgetown, Kansas, LSU, Marquette, Memphis, Michigan, Oklahoma State, Ole Miss, South Carolina, and Tennessee.