Reports: Four-star Adonis Ratliff being pursued by Louisville
Adonis Ratliff of Archbishop Stepinac HS (NY), a top-60 prospect according to On3/Rivals, recently mentioned Louisville when discussing schools expressing the most interest in him, along with Alabama and Texas. An article written by Zach Smart of Zagsblog goes into detail regarding his recruitment.
When asked about Louisville, Ratliff said the following, according to Zach Smart of Zagsblog: “They have a five out style of offense, so they like guys who can stretch the floor out and play-make. They have a good family atmosphere out there. They can use me in a variety of ways. I’ve spoken with (head coach) Pat Kelsey on the phone. There’s a connection there. Coach Kelsey actually played with my father in college. They were at Wyoming together.”
Theo Ratliff is the father of Adonis. He played in the NBA for 16 years, while playing college ball at Wyoming, according to Basketball Reference. He was also the 18th overall pick of the 1995 NBA Draft. Adonis also has a brother named Darius Ratliff, who’s a four-star prospect in his own right. They both play together on the same HS team, while playing on the Nike EYBL circuit with the PSA Cardinals.
Adonis Ratliff Scouting Report
Ratliff is a mobile, long forward with intriguing floor-stretching ability. What is most unique about his shooting profile is that not only can he knock down perimeter jumpers at his size, but can do so off movement.
He’s capable of coming off flares, downscreens, curls, or pick-and-pop action for catch-and-shoot opportunities from three and the mid-range. He squares his body to the rim fluidly on the catch, while also possessing a pretty quick trigger.
Also, despite not having the highest release point, his height (6’11”) makes it difficult to contest his jumper. Ratliff is also a threat in transition, trailing behind the play for threes, as well.
With some intriguing passing upside, he’s solid at taking advantage of poor closeouts due to his shooting gravity and finding open teammates in the process.
Defensively, Ratliff presents value with his ground-coverage and helpside rim-protection. His long strides and wingspan assist in his ability to closeout to shooters on the perimeter, as well. He’s a decent perimeter defender with some switchability, but can still improve in this aspect of his game.
For Ratliff to reach his ceiling as a prospect, he must add weight to his frame. He can struggle on the interior owning his space on drives, rebounds, and when defending in the post.
Louisville’s relationship with Ratliff will be one to monitor going forward and could be a late addition to the Cards’ 2026 recruiting hot board.
