Get ready for an exciting tale of twin talent and a potential championship-winning journey! The Ratliff twins, Adonis and Theo, are making waves in the basketball world with their impressive skills and a unique family connection.
These 7-foot giants, hailing from Archbishop Stepinac High School and the PSA Cardinals, recently paid a visit to USC, setting the stage for a thrilling recruitment story. But here's the twist: their connection to USC head coach Eric Musselman runs deeper than you might think.
'Muss' was an assistant coach with the Atlanta Hawks back in the early 2000s, and that's where their father, Theo Ratliff, played his heart out on the court. Theo, a rugged big man in his own right, was picked 18th overall in the 1995 NBA Draft, straight out of Wyoming.
Adonis, speaking to ZAGSBLOG, shared an insightful message: "The visit was an eye-opener. USC sees us as a priority, and they want us on their team because we bring a unique skill set that most Big 10 players lack. They believe we can help them reach the pinnacle of college basketball."
Now, here's where it gets interesting. Unlike their dad, who was known for his rebounding and shot-blocking prowess, Adonis and Darius are modern-day big men with an all-court game. Adonis, in particular, showcased his shooting skills by sinking nine 3-pointers and scoring an impressive 32 points in a Border League game.
Their father, Theo, couldn't help but gush about Adonis' shooting range: "You definitely can't back up off him."
Darius, on the other hand, is more of an inside player, comfortable in the paint. He draws comparisons to Karl-Anthony Towns, known for his size, shooting ability, driving, passing, and shot-blocking skills.
When asked to compare himself to his brother, Darius emphasized their unique roles: "He's more downhill, versatile with dribbling and shooting. I'm a big man, focused on rebounding and dominating inside. He's a three, I'm a four-five."
And this is the part most people miss: the twins are in high demand. Besides USC, schools like Alabama (where Theo was born), Arkansas, Texas, Oklahoma State, Pittsburgh, Florida, and Creighton are all vying for their talents.
The Ratliff twins have already completed a visit to Alabama, leaving fans and recruiters alike eager to see where their journey will take them next.
So, what do you think? Will the Ratliff twins be the key to USC's championship dreams? Or will they choose another school to showcase their skills? The basketball world is buzzing with anticipation. Feel free to share your thoughts and predictions in the comments below!
