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Scout Report
Picture a 6-11 player with the fluidity of a wing, who can stretch the floor and put it on the deck. That's what USC just got with Adonis Ratliff. This isn't your typical plodding big man; Ratliff brings a versatile offensive package and disruptive defensive presence that demands attention from day one.
Background
Adonis Ratliff hails from White Plains, NY, where he developed his game into one of the most intriguing prospects in the 2026 class. His high school career at Archbishop Stepinac was highly decorated, playing alongside other top-tier talent like his twin brother Darius Ratliff, who also joined him at USC, and Jasiah Jervis. This environment of high-level competition from a young age helped forge a player accustomed to intense matchups and team-oriented success, preparing him for the jump to Division I basketball.
Playing Style
Ratliff operates as a modern power forward, capable of impacting the game across the floor. He moves with an uncommon grace for his size, often initiating offense with his handle or flashing to the perimeter for a catch-and-shoot opportunity. His decision-making with the ball in his hands, especially in the mid-post or off a short roll, demonstrates a basketball IQ beyond his years. On defense, his length and agility allow him to guard multiple positions, switching effectively on screens and contesting shots both at the rim and on the perimeter. He affects tempo by cleaning the glass and pushing the ball in transition, often leading to easy offense or forcing defenses into scramble situations.
Strengths
The combination of ball handling and shooting for a player of his height is a rare commodity. Ratliff can consistently hit perimeter jumpers, making him a pick-and-pop threat that pulls opposing bigs away from the basket. His wingspan creates problems on both ends, extending for offensive rebounds and altering passing lanes defensively. He has shown the ability to take slower defenders off the dribble from the perimeter and finish creatively around the rim, making him a dynamic scorer.
Areas to Watch
To fully unlock his offensive potential at the collegiate level, Ratliff will need to consistently improve his strength and refine his post-up game against stronger, more experienced college bigs. While his shooting is good, becoming a high-volume, reliable three-point threat would make him nearly unguardable. Continued development of his defensive footwork and understanding of complex collegiate schemes will solidify his status as a truly impactful two-way player.
Player Comparison
Ratliff's blend of size, shooting, and ball handling reminds me of a young Jabari Smith Jr. coming out of high school. While Smith Jr. was perhaps a bit more polished on the perimeter at the same stage, Ratliff possesses a similar long frame and the foundational skills to develop into that kind of versatile forward who can score inside and out, while also defending multiple positions effectively.
Recruitment
Ratliff's recruitment was robust, drawing significant interest from programs nationwide with 15 D1 offers. Powerhouses like Alabama, Arkansas, Louisville, and Stanford were all in the mix, recognizing his potential. Ultimately, his path led him to USC, where he officially enrolled. Playing alongside his brother Darius was likely a significant factor, solidifying the Trojans' roster with two top-tier frontcourt prospects and setting the stage for their collective collegiate careers to begin immediately.
Projection
At USC, Ratliff projects as an immediate contributor who will compete for significant minutes from the outset. His college ceiling is high, with the potential to develop into an All-Conference talent capable of anchoring a high-major program. If he continues to refine his body and expand his offensive repertoire, an NBA future as a modern, versatile forward who can shoot, handle, and defend is a distinct possibility, likely as a valuable role player who can guard multiple spots and space the floor.
Updated Jul 22, 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.
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