In a thrilling start to the 2024-25 Rutgers basketball season, a freshman sensation emerged from the shadows, captivating the crowd and showcasing his immense potential. Lathan Sommerville, a 6-foot-10, 270-pound center from Illinois, delivered a scintillating performance off the bench to lead the Scarlet Knights to a decisive 75-52 victory over Wagner.
Freshman Phenom Steals the Spotlight
A Breakout Performance
Lathan Sommerville's arrival on the Rutgers campus has been overshadowed by the highly anticipated debuts of fellow rookies Dylan Harper and Ace Bailey, both McDonald's All-Americans. However, in the season opener, Sommerville seized the spotlight with a dominant display that left the crowd in awe. Sporting a new hairstyle, the young center tallied 11 points on 4-of-7 shooting, grabbed 8 rebounds, and showcased his versatility with a dazzling array of moves.Sommerville's performance was a testament to his skill and composure, as he made the most of the additional touches presented by Bailey's absence due to an undisclosed injury. The Illinois native displayed expert body control, finishing a full-court layup with a change of hands in the air, and showcased his proficiency with a jump hook and a 3-pointer. Committing just one turnover in 26 minutes, Sommerville's efficiency and decision-making were equally impressive.A Glimpse of the Future
The highlight of Sommerville's night came midway through the second half, when he backed down two defenders and delivered an over-the-shoulder, no-look pass to teammate Jordan Derkack for an easy layup. This point guard-quality dime from a player of Sommerville's size left the crowd in awe, showcasing his exceptional passing ability and basketball IQ."He's such a skilled guy for a freshman and someone of his size," said postgrad forward Zach Martini. "You saw that pass he made under the rim to Jordan – that's a moment for him. You put him on the elbow and run the offense through him, and he's comfortable – he doesn't get sped up."Sommerville's performance was not limited to the offensive end, as he also provided a defensive upgrade over starter Emmanuel Ogbole, who struggled with foul trouble. The rookie held his own, impressing with his ability to push the opposing team's low catch out as far as possible, disrupting their offensive flow.A Crucial Piece for the Scarlet Knights
Sommerville's development is a crucial storyline for the Scarlet Knights this season, as the five-spot is perceived as their potential weakness. The freshman arrived on campus behind in the conditioning department, but his impressive showing against Wagner suggests he is quickly adapting to the college game."Lathan was rock solid from the beginning," said Rutgers coach Steve Pikiell. "He is improving every day. College is not an easy adjustment. He has lost weight, gotten into better shape. He's learning he can do a lot more things. He can pass, he can rebound, his best days are ahead of him, too."With Sommerville's emergence, the Scarlet Knights' ceiling has risen significantly. As the young center continues to develop and integrate seamlessly with the team, Rutgers fans can look forward to witnessing the full extent of his potential throughout the season.A Standing Ovation and Growing Confidence
The Rutgers faithful were quick to recognize Sommerville's impact, as the freshman received a standing ovation when he checked out of the game for the first time, midway through the first half. When he reentered the game early in the second half, another roar went up, showcasing the fans' excitement and belief in his potential."Crowd was electric," Sommerville said. "That motivates me to keep going, keep playing as hard as I can, keep making the plays I know I can make."As Sommerville continues to build confidence and adapt to the college game, his impact on the Scarlet Knights' success this season will be crucial. With his combination of size, skill, and basketball IQ, the freshman has the potential to become a dominant force in the paint, providing a much-needed boost to Rutgers' frontcourt.
