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Scout Report
The rare combination of size and nimble feet immediately shifts the landscape of a basketball game. Adonis Ratliff, all 6-11 of him, possesses that kind of disruptive presence, changing shots and securing rebounds at a rate few in his class can match. He's not just big; he plays big, with an understanding of verticality that impacts every possession.
Background
Growing up in White Plains, NY, Ratliff honed his craft within a deeply athletic family. His father and brother both have strong connections to sports, providing a competitive environment and a blueprint for high-level commitment from an early age. His time at Archbishop Stepinac has put him on a national stage, where he's consistently played against top competition, often alongside other highly rated prospects like Darius Ratliff and Jasiah Jervis, which has refined his team-oriented approach.
Playing Style
Adonis Ratliff fundamentally anchors a defense. He dictates action in the paint, deterring drives and forcing opponents into contested looks at the rim with his length and timing. Offensively, he’s a potent rim-runner and a consistent lob threat, always looking to finish above the basket. He understands spacing, rarely clogging lanes, and sets strong screens that free up his guards. His decision-making with the ball remains simple but effective; he's not looking to do too much, but rather to make the smart, high-percentage play. In transition, he runs the floor like a much smaller player, getting out ahead of the pack for easy buckets or creating spacing for trailing teammates.
Strengths
His primary strength is his defensive interior presence. Ratliff's shot-blocking instincts are truly exceptional; he alters a significant number of shots even when he doesn't record the block. He's an excellent rebounder on both ends of the floor, securing possessions and initiating fast breaks. His ability to finish efficiently around the rim, especially off lobs or put-backs, makes him a constant threat in the half-court offense. He's got a high motor, consistently staying engaged on both ends.
Areas to Watch
For Ratliff to truly unlock his full potential, developing a more consistent face-up game and a mid-range jumper will be crucial. Expanding his offensive repertoire beyond dunks and put-backs would make him much harder to guard, especially against bigger, stronger college bigs. Improving his ball-handling in tight spaces and becoming more adept at passing out of double teams would also elevate his impact on the offensive end.
Player Comparison
There's a developing rim protector and finisher here that brings to mind a younger version of Robert Williams III. Both possess that unique blend of athleticism, length, and innate timing around the basket defensively. Ratliff shows flashes of Williams's ability to be a vertical threat and change the dynamics of an opponent's offense.
Recruitment
Adonis Ratliff’s recruitment garnered significant attention, accumulating 15 D1 offers from major programs across the country, including powerhouses like Alabama, Arkansas, and Louisville. Ultimately, he chose to commit to USC, a significant pickup for their 2026 class. This commitment ensures he'll be playing alongside his high school teammate, Darius Ratliff, which could smooth his transition and accelerate his development at the collegiate level. He's locked in, focusing on preparing for his future in Los Angeles.
Projection
At the college level, Adonis Ratliff projects as an immediate impact player, primarily as a defensive anchor and an efficient interior scorer. He should be a starter quickly, bringing value as a premier rim protector and rebounder for USC. His professional trajectory will hinge on the further refinement of his offensive game and perimeter defensive capabilities, but he possesses the physical tools and defensive instincts to potentially carve out a valuable role in the NBA as a high-motor, defensive-minded big.
Updated May 23, 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