Rutgers Basketball's Promising Frontcourt Duo: Sommerville and Ogbole Poised to Anchor the Paint

Piscataway, NJ - The Rutgers basketball team's intrasquad scrimmage on Saturday offered a glimpse into the promising future of the Scarlet Knights' frontcourt. While the spotlight shone on the team's talented backcourt duo of Dylan Harper and Ace Bailey, it was the play of freshman center Lathan Sommerville and junior center Emmanuel Ogbole that caught the attention of the 1,500 fans in attendance.

Rutgers' Frontcourt Duo Poised to Dominate the Paint

Sommerville's Transformation and Commitment to Improvement

When Lathan Sommerville arrived on campus in June, he faced a stark realization - the pace of the college game was significantly faster than what he was accustomed to in high school. Determined to make an impact, Sommerville took immediate action, shedding over 20 pounds and focusing on improving his motor and conditioning. The 6-foot-10, 275-pound center understood that to earn meaningful minutes, he would need to match the relentless effort of his teammate, Emmanuel Ogbole.Sommerville's dedication paid off, as he showcased his versatility during the scrimmage. The freshman center displayed his passing prowess with a one-handed skip pass that found a cutting P.J. Hayes for an easy layup, demonstrating his ability to see the floor and make smart decisions. Additionally, Sommerville showcased his offensive arsenal, sinking a runner in the lane and a hook shot, while also converting both of his free-throw attempts.

Ogbole's Physicality and Defensive Presence

While Sommerville's offensive skills were on display, Ogbole's impact was felt primarily on the defensive end. The 6-foot-10, 270-pound junior center is known for his physicality and ability to defend and rebound at a high level, traits that head coach Steve Pikiell values greatly. Ogbole's defensive prowess was evident as he consistently positioned himself correctly and made it difficult for opponents to score in the paint.Ogbole's role within the team is clear - he will be the interior enforcer, using his impressive strength to deter opposing players. His teammates have taken notice of Ogbole's physical dominance, with freshman forward Bryce Dortch marveling at the junior center's ability to outmuscle them in the weight room.

The Sommerville-Ogbole Platoon: A Formidable Frontcourt Duo

The competition between Sommerville and Ogbole has been a driving force in their development, as they push each other to improve every day in practice. Sommerville acknowledged the value of this healthy competition, stating, "For me, it's good competition. We're going at each other every day."While neither Sommerville nor Ogbole is expected to replicate the dominance of former Rutgers star Cliff Omoruyi, who is now playing for national title contender Alabama, their combined efforts could be the key to the Scarlet Knights' success in the upcoming season. Pikiell's ability to effectively utilize this frontcourt platoon, with Sommerville's offensive prowess and Ogbole's defensive tenacity, will be crucial in a Big Ten conference that is renowned for its quality big men.

The Supporting Cast: Complementing the Frontcourt Duo

Beyond the standout performances of Sommerville and Ogbole, the Rutgers intrasquad scrimmage also showcased the depth and talent of the team's supporting cast. Freshman guard Dylan Harper was unstoppable when attacking the rim, finishing with 17 points on 6-of-9 shooting, including a 3-pointer and four made free throws. Harper's ability to drive and dish to open teammates, such as the sequence where he found P.J. Hayes for a corner 3-pointer, is a skill that Pikiell will look to utilize regularly this season.Sophomore guard Jamichael Davis also impressed, demonstrating his prowess as a slasher and his improved free-throw shooting, converting 5-of-6 attempts. The less-heralded freshman forward Dylan Grant also caught the eye, knocking down an open 3-pointer in both the practice scrimmage and the public event, potentially earning a spot in the rotation.While the spotlight may have been on the team's backcourt stars, the contributions of the supporting cast, combined with the dominant frontcourt duo of Sommerville and Ogbole, suggest that Rutgers basketball is poised for a promising 2024-25 campaign.