Get to Know An Incoming Recruit: Georgetown’s Chris Sodom

The Georgetown Hoyas have a long legacy of great centers. Now, another big man comes to the Hilltop this fall looking to join those ranks.

Chris Sodom is a lanky 7’3” prospect that last played for Tennessee Prep Academy in Memphis. He hails from Nigeria and moved to the Houston area in 2015. He spent a season at Beaumont Central High School before moving on to TPA.

Sodom originally committed to New Mexico in October 2016. However, he was granted a release in April following Craig Neal’s firing. On May 7th, Sodom officially committed to Georgetown. Schools such as Florida, Kansas, Purdue, TCU, Texas A&M, and Pittsburgh were in the running for Sodom’s services at one point or another. The Hoyas were able to beat them out.

ESPN lists Sodom as a four-star recruit and gave him a scout grade of 80. Meanwhile 247 Sports and Rivals were more conservative with their assessments, listing him as a three-star recruit.

Sodom’s height is his biggest (pun intended) asset. It allowed him to easily score over his competition in high school and be a fearsome rim protector. In 2015-16, Sodom played for the Houston Defenders of the Under Armour Association AAU circuit. He averaged 2.2 blocks per game that year. His season included two six-block games and one with four. With Bradley Hayes and Akoy Agau gone, Georgetown sorely needs Sodom’s skillset.

Sodom also participated in the Kenner League in late July. Reports via Casual Hoya indicate he used his size on both ends of the floor: finishing strong inside on offense and affecting shots on defense. However, the rest of his offensive game seemed limited, and he was prone to defensive mistakes despite his hustle.

It’s a mystery right now how Sodom will fit into the big man rotation. While he is the tallest player on the team by far, he is also a raw talent. More experience and development may be needed before he can play for extended stretches.

However, he could pick up sizable backup minutes simply because of his size. When starting center Jessie Govan goes to the bench, Sodom is the only player over 6’9” that can fill in. Players like Marcus Derrickson (6’7”, 250 lbs.), Antwan Walker (6’9”), Trey Mourning (6’9”), and George Muresan (6’9”) could all do a formidable job against some opponents. But there will be instances during the season when a taller, more effective rim protector like Sodom will be needed.

Chris Sodom is a very intriguing prospect with his great height and potential. He will be coached by a man that also happens to be Georgetown’s most accomplished center. This equation has to bring optimism to any Hoyas fan, as the program begins a new era in the Nation’s Capital.