2024 6’9 Lathan Sommerville has been catching some eyes with his size and skillset on the court. He has been producing in a big way, especially towards the end of the season, and the sophomore has added a few new offers to his list along with a ton of interest coming his way.
Phenom Hoops sat down with the star sophomore at The Skill Factory to learn more about his season so far and his game/development, along with his thoughts on his latest offers and interests. Check out what he had to say.
Phenom: How has it been playing at TSF this season and what has it shown or taught you with your game'
Sommerville: This season as a team, we have been up and down. Today, I feel like we are moving in the right direction to the end of the season on a positive note. On the court, I have gotten physically stronger and have improved defensively for sure. Off the court, I feel like I have grown mentally. I'm a better all-around player because of this experience.
Phenom: What have you been wanting to show more with your game and skill set'
Sommerville: My ability to play multiple positions, including my perimeter game and my versatility by stretching the floor.
Phenom: How would you best describe your game right now'
Sommerville: I have a high basketball IQ. I'm an inside-out post that can score on all three levels. I can pass, put the ball on the floor, and the athletic part of my game is only getting better. If I had to compare myself to a couple of players, it would be a mix of Joel Embiid, Karl Anthony Towns, Anthony Davis, and Nikola Jokic. I think growing up in Europe for 14 years helped develop my game; it has a European touch to it.
Phenom: Wanted to learn more about your background coming from Europe. What has been the biggest difference and did you play with anyone over there'
Sommerville: My dad started his professional career in Hungary when I was one. From there, we moved to France, from France to Belgium, from Belgium back to France, from France to Turkey, from Turkey to Germany, from Germany to Argentina, then back to France, then to the United States. Learning to play overseas taught me the values of fundamentals, that is where their focus is. I think the biggest skill I got growing up overseas is my ability to adapt to different things. Most European players have an inside-out game because that is how they develop their players. I started playing ball overseas at two, I have played with and against many great players in the game today such as RJ Barrett, Killian Hayes, and more.
Phenom: Recruitment has gone well. What is it like to get that early attention from college coaches as a sophomore'
Sommerville: I think my recruitment has been going well and is exciting. It means a lot to me considering I didn't come back to the state until my eighth-grade year. Every offer I get is a blessing and very rewarding. It helps increase my focus and pushes me to work harder.
Phenom: What are your early thoughts on the offer from Xavier'
Sommerville: Xavier's staff is great; their team is great and is doing well. They are a team that can be a contender at the end of the season. What I love about Xavier is they are family-oriented, once you become part of the family you will always be part of the family, even well after you have graduated. That is important to me.
Phenom: What other offers do you hold right now'
Sommerville: My current offers are Xavier, Rutgers, Wake Forest, and Bradley.
Phenom: What are your thoughts on the other three schools that have offered'
Sommerville: The same; I'm happy with every offer I receive. I'm looking for the best possible fit for me.
Phenom: Wanted to ask you who else have you been hearing from'
Sommerville: Purdue, Illinois, Wisconsin, Ohio State, Minnesota, Kansas St, Ole Miss, Arizona, Texas, Saint John's, Cincinnati, Penn State, UMass, Georgia, and Dayton.
Phenom: You made some visits to schools as well, correct'
Sommerville: Yes, I went to Wake Forest, Purdue, and Xavier. I liked the facility and the fan support.
