Georgetown University made headlines by securing Thomas Sorber, the No. 50 recruit nationally for the 2024 class and the No. 3 player from Pennsylvania. The versatile big man was expected to be a cornerstone for the Hoyas’ frontcourt, averaging 14 points and 8 rebounds over 24 games before a season-ending foot injury in February 2025.
However, CBB insider Jeff Goodman reports that the school’s investment in Sorber’s recruitment and retention, which involved a significant NIL deal, may have tied up as much as $2.5 million, potentially hindering Georgetown’s pursuit of other top targets.
Thomas Sorber’s $2.5M NIL Deal Might Limit Georgetown’s Recruitment of Other Prospects
Georgetown’s pursuit of top-tier recruits may face challenges due to the substantial investment tied up in Thomas Sorber’s NIL deal. The highly touted 2024 recruit, a versatile center, has become the focal point of the Hoyas’ frontcourt.
Still, CBB insider Jeff Goodman raised concerns about the long-term implications of Georgetown’s financial commitment to Sorber.
Goodman, appearing on “The Field of 68,” pointed out the dilemma facing Georgetown. He explained that the Hoyas are in a “really bad spot” due to the uncertainty surrounding Sorber’s future.
“You’re kind of held hostage,” Goodman said. Not because Thomas is doing it on purpose, but you’ve got all this money tied up.”
Georgetown is essentially waiting for Sorber’s decision on whether he will declare for the NBA Draft or return for another season. This uncertainty is compounded by the significant financial commitment the program has already made to the center. As Goodman put it,
“You’ve probably got $2.5 million right now locked up in Thomas Sorber. If he returns, you have to have that money to be able to pay him. And then by the time he decides, I’m not coming back, which is probably more likely, there’s not a lot of guys left, probably nobody left that you’re going to be able to get.”
The situation is problematic for Georgetown because it leaves the team limited flexibility in the recruiting market. With Sorber’s deal tying up a large portion of the NIL budget, the Hoyas may be unable to compete for top-tier talent.
The program, under head coach Ed Cooley, will have to wait until Sorber makes his decision, but by then, the best recruits may already have committed elsewhere.
“There’s not a lot of guys left… certainly at that level,” Goodman remarked, stressing that Georgetown’s inability to act swiftly could hurt their recruiting efforts.
Georgetown’s predicament is not unique. Goodman also mentioned other programs facing similar challenges, including Arizona and UConn. However, the Hoyas’ reliance on Sorber’s uncertain future leaves them in a particularly difficult position.
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The $2.5 million deal is a significant commitment, and if Sorber decides to leave, Georgetown could be left scrambling to fill the void with less impactful players.
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