Jai Lucas and Miami Land Their First Commitment from the Transfer Portal
The Miami Hurricanes have tons of roster spots to fill after last season; however, recruiting was the main calling card for Jai Lucas when he became the Hurricanes' head coach.
Lucas prepares for his second season and hits the transfer portal once again. This time, he heads to the SEC to get one of the best defensive players in the country. Former Goeriga center Somto Cyril is now a Hurricane, announcing his commitment to the program.
NEWS: Georgia transfer Somto Cyril, one of the top bigs in the portal, has committed to Miami, he told @On3.⁰⁰The 6-11 sophomore led the SEC in blocks per game (2.34) and was all SEC-Defensive team. Averaged 9.3 points and 5.4 boards as well. https://t.co/wbPu00HP2ehttps://t.co/2EC1JtAad6pic.twitter.com/lskbaI3N2U
- Joe Tipton (@JoeTipton) April 12, 2026
What Does This Mean?
The Hurricanes needed more centers and bodies to have for the long season. Ernest Udeh Jr. grew into one of the best defensive players in the country, but he was only at Miami for a year. Lucas knew that he needed a similar style of player, and Cyril fits the bill.
Cyril averaged 9.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 0.6 assists per game last season for the Bulldogs.
He is a rebounding match and swats away anything that comes at the rim. The Hurricanes' paint defense was one of the best in the country last season, and it looks to be replicated.
This nearly fills out the starting rotation as Lucas continues to look for high-end talent for him.
Others will make their commitments soon, with one top guard keeping an eye on the Canes' starting spot.
Projected Roster for the 2026-27 season:
Starters:
1. Portal
2. Dante Allen
3. Shelton Henderson
4. Caleb Gaskins
5. Somto Cyril
Bench:
Marcus Allen
Portal
Portal
Portal
Portal
Portal
Portal
Portal
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This article was originally published on www.si.com/college/miami as Jai Lucas and Miami Land Their First Commitment from the Transfer Portal.
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This story was originally published April 12, 2026 at 3:58 PM.