The USC Trojans men’s basketball program took a good approach to its latest recruiting victory.
When there are twins, really go for it. Then you get two for the price of one recruitment.
On Wednesday, the Ratliff twins committed to USC, according to Rivals. They’re the sons of 16-year NBA veteran Theo Ratliff, who was an All Star and a three-time blocks leader in the league.
The twins are both 7-feet tall, and they chose USCC over Alabama, Arkansas and Texas.
Darius is ranked No. 36 nationally by Rivals. Adonis is ranked No. 57 nationally.
Both play for traditional powerhouse Archbishop Stepinac, which is in White Plains, New York.
This is what Rivals’ Jamie Shaw wrote recently about the twins:
Last week, at The Border League is where the breakout started, and Adonis Ratliff was able to keep that momentum going through the weekend at USA Basketball October Minicamp. The 6-foot-11 power forward showed intriguing fluidity along with perimeter-based ball skills. He consistently shot the ball at a high clip, while also showing he could get downhill toward the rim in the half-court. He is going to have to add weight, this will help his game in all aspect. But the intriguing he brings with his size, athletic fluidity, and shooting ability makes Ratliff’s ceiling very high.
Darius Ratliff was one of the big winners of the weekend, following a strong Border League performance last season. Ratliff, much like his twin Adonis, is a fluid mover with excellent length and touch. He also showed he is not afraid to mix it up around the basket. While burying multiple pick and pop threes throughout each session, he chased the offensive glass, flashed to the paint, and finished at the basket as well. He is thin, very thin, and will need to stay healthy, but the upside is immense and everytime he is on the floor you can see him growing toward it.
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Landing at USC is a bit different to the path their father took.
Theo Ratliff grew up in Demopolis, Alabama and played his college basketball at Wyoming. He was eventually the No. 18 overall pick in the 1995 NBA Draft.
Now, Darius and Adonis will try to follow in their father’s footsteps and make it to the league, one day at a time.
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