USC
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Scout Report
When 6-foot-11 forwards move like guards and think like coaches, college programs take notice. That's exactly what happened when Adonis Ratliff put up 25 points and 12 rebounds in front of a packed gym full of high-major assistants last month.
Background
Growing up in White Plains, New York, Ratliff comes from a basketball family where the game runs deep in their DNA. His father played professionally overseas, and that basketball IQ gets passed down daily around the dinner table. Archbishop Stepinac became the perfect landing spot for his development, giving him elite competition every practice against future Division I teammates. The program's track record of developing big men for the next level made it an easy choice for a kid who's been dreaming of college basketball since middle school.
Playing Style
Ratliff plays with an old-school fundamentalism that's rare in today's game. He establishes position early in possessions and makes smart decisions with the ball in his hands, rarely forcing shots or passes. His pace is measured but effective - he doesn't rush into mistakes. Defensively, he uses his length to alter shots without constantly hunting for blocks, staying disciplined on rotations. The kid understands help defense concepts better than most college freshmen. He impacts winning through consistency rather than highlight-reel plays, though he's certainly capable of those too when the moment calls for it.
Strengths
His basketball IQ jumps off the tape immediately - Ratliff reads defensive schemes quickly and finds the open man consistently. At 6-11, he handles the ball well enough to push in transition and create his own shot from the mid-range. His footwork in the post is advanced for his age, with smooth drop steps and solid pivot work. What really sets him apart is his shooting touch extending to the three-point line, making him a legitimate stretch-four threat that forces opposing big men out of the paint.
Areas to Watch
Adding functional strength will be crucial for his college success, especially when facing ACC-level power forwards who've been in college weight rooms for years. His rebounding could become elite with better positioning and more aggression attacking the glass. Developing a quick first step off the dribble would make his driving game more dangerous against college athletes.
Player Comparison
He reminds me a lot of current Stanford forward Brandon Angel - similar size, basketball IQ, and that smooth shooting stroke from deep. Both players think the game at a high level and can play multiple positions effectively. Like Angel, Ratliff projects as a player who might not dominate the stat sheet every night but makes his team significantly better when he's on the floor.
Recruitment
With 15 Division I offers already on the table, Ratliff's recruitment heated up quickly once word got out about his skill set. USC, Alabama, Arkansas, and Stanford all pushed hard, recognizing his potential to contribute early in college. His commitment to USC makes perfect sense given their need for versatile frontcourt players and coach Andy Enfield's system that values basketball IQ. The Trojans beat out some heavy hitters to land him, and you can bet other programs will keep calling until he signs his letter of intent.
Projection
At USC, Ratliff projects as a rotation player by his sophomore year who could develop into an All-Pac-12 type performer. His combination of size, skill, and basketball IQ translates well to the college game where teams value players who don't beat themselves. Professional basketball isn't out of the question if he continues developing his athletic tools, but his floor is a solid four-year college contributor who helps teams win games through smart play.
Updated Apr 20, 2026 · Analysis by PrepRadar Scouting Team
Career Journey
USC
COLLEGE
Archbishop Stepinac
PREP SCHOOL
Nike EYBL
AAU
Career Highlights
Adonis Ratliff posts 24pts, 10rebs, 6blks, 4asts, 2stls in Stepinac's 83-74 win over Cardinal Hayes
Arafan Diane, Adonis Ratliff and Obinna Ekezie headline top 10 centers in 2025-26
7-foot twin towers Darius and Adonis Ratliff cut their list to four schools: Alabama, Arkansas, Texas, and USC
Adonis Ratliff named USABJNT Minicamp Sun Eyecatcher for 2026 class
Adonis Ratliff standout performance at Saturday USABJNT Minicamp
Adonis Ratliff named McDonald's All American
Top 50 ranked Adonis & Darius Ratliff are going to have HUGE senior seasons
Adonis Ratliff, a 7-footer with NBA Bloodlines, saw his breakout campaign start early this season
Offers
15
USC
Committed
Chose USC over 14 other offers
Alabama
Arkansas
Louisville
Mississippi State
PittsburghOffers sourced from 247Sports and social media monitoring.
Highlights
Social Activity
Player of the day on Friday was Adonis Ratliff. The 7-footer went off for 9 threes and 35 points. https://t.co/Q4QKwSCxiE
Some Standouts From Friday & Saturday At The Border League: Adonis Ratliff Deron Rippey Jr. Alex Smith (Ohio State) Marcus Spears Jr. Bruce Branch Quincy Wadley Darius Ratliff Latrell Allmond Mason Fuentes Andrej Lucic NaVorro Bowman Jr. https://t.co/XMmGPlN9wh
Adonis and Darius Ratliff are top-tier prospects in the Class of 2026! The 7’0 twins have been offered by Arkansas, Alabama, Louisville, among others. https://t.co/Q3pImDgjbb
border league eye catchers for me this weekend ‘26 deron rippey taylen kinney darius/adonis ratliff elton smith seven spurlock alex smith peyton miller ‘27 marcus spears jr bruce branch nasir anderson navorro bowman jr clyde walters INTL abdramane sidy ognjen srzentic
Adonis Ratliff @Adonisballin3 lights up Vegas, @PSACardinals and @step_basketball focal point hearing from 4 schools https://t.co/0GyByJenfH @AdamZagoria @RecruitTheBronx