If you want to win an NCAA title then you usually need a good coach, a great resume…and a McDonald’s All-American. Only 2 championship teams from 1979-2020 did not have such a player (2002 Maryland/2014 UConn), and while Florida won a title last April without 1, Coach Todd Golden added Arkansas transfer/2024 McDonald’s All-American Boogie Fland to his roster last May. The rosters for this year’s McDonald’s All-American Game were announced last week after selecting the 24 best players in the nation from a list of several hundred nominees. If you do not think these guys can make an immediate impact in the fall, just ask Coach Tommy Lloyd how he likes having 2025 honorees Brayden Burries/Koa Peat at Arizona! Unlike most years when 1 school stands out as the big winner with the most All-Americans, there are 3 different programs tied for the current lead with 2 each (Duke/Missouri/USC) and a whopping 8 players who have not yet committed to a college. Earlier this week HoopsHD’s Jon Teitel got to chat with Darius Ratliff about being named a McDonald’s All-American and sharing the honor with his twin brother.
You missed part of last season with a foot injury: how bad was it, and how were you able to get back onto the court? It was not too bad, just a stress fracture, but I went to rehab and had to miss the 2nd half of last season.
You received offers from several great schools including Alabama/Arkansas/Texas but signed with USC last October: what was the biggest factor in your decision? The commitment they had to both me and my brother: during our visit they said that we were a priority.
Coach Eric Musselman’s team is currently 18-6: do you think they will make the NCAA tourney next month? If they stay healthy: definitely.
Earlier this month you were named a McDonald’s All-American: what did it mean to you to receive such an outstanding honor? It meant a lot and showed all the work that I have put in. I have been to 3 McDonald’s games in the past as a spectator, so it is exciting to finally be going there as a player.
Your twin brother Adonis received the same honor: how special is it for your family to have 2 Ratliffs on the team? It is a blessing because it does not happen a lot. It shows how hard we have pushed each other to succeed.
Adonis will be joining you at USC this fall: is it true that playing together in college was “non-negotiable”? No: we were recruited separately by different schools.
Your high school teammate Jasiah Jervis was also named an All-Americans: what is it like to play on a team with so much talent? It makes the game easier: if our opponent focuses on just 1 player, then we can still find someone else to beat them.
You are listed at 7’: what position do you play now, and what position will you feel most comfortable at in college? I am playing center now and would feel comfortable playing PF in college.
Your father Theo was an NBA All-Star in 2001 and led the league in BLK 3 times from 2001-2004: who is the best athlete in the family? I would say my dad due to all the accolades he has.
Your high school team has won 3 straight state titles: do you think you can make it 4 in a row this spring? Yes: we have the pieces/size/IQ, so we just need to buy into it as a team.
