James Ratiff

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James Ratiff
Personal information
Born(1958-04-09)April 9, 1958
Washington, D.C.
DiedJanuary 4, 2020(2020-01-04) (aged 61)
Washington, D.C.
NationalityAmerican
Listed height6 ft 8 in (2.03 m)
Listed weight215 lb (98 kg)
Career information
High schoolEastern (Washington, D.C.)
College
NBA draft1982 / Round: 8 / Pick: 172nd overall
Selected by the Atlanta Hawks
PositionPower forward
Career highlights and awards

James Ratiff (April 9, 1958 – January 4, 2020), sometimes incorrectly named James Ratliff,[1] was an American basketball player. A 6 ft 8 in (2.03 m) power forward from Washington, D.C., he was known for his high school and collegiate careers.

While in prep school in Washington, D.C., Ratiff was named a McDonald's All-American in 1977 while attending Eastern High School.[1][2] He was one of the most highly touted recruits in the nation. As a senior, Ratiff averaged 25 points, 17 rebounds, 6 assists, and 5 blocks per game.[3] For a time, Virginia Tech thought they were going to sign him as a recruit.[4] Ratiff ended up choosing Tennessee instead.[5] In 1977–78, he spent his freshman season playing for the Volunteers and averaged 5.4 points and four rebounds per game.[5] He decided to transfer after one year, citing an undesirable social climate in Knoxville as well as unrealistic expectations by the media for trying to make him out to be the next Bernard King, a former Tennessee great.[5]

After sitting out one season due to transfer eligibility rules, Ratiff spent his final three collegiate years at his home city's Howard University. He garnered much success there: in all three seasons he was named an All-MEAC First Team selection, was a three-time All-MEAC Tournament First Team pick, and in his sophomore and junior years was named the MEAC Player of the Year.[6]

After his collegiate career ended, Ratiff was selected in the 1982 NBA draft by the Atlanta Hawks (8th round, 172nd pick overall).[7] He never played in the NBA, however.[7]

Ratiff died on January 4, 2020 at age 61.[8]

References[]

  1. ^ a b Paine, Neil (March 13, 2009). "What Happened to the McDonald's All-Americans? (Part II – 1977–1980)". basketball-reference.com. Sports Reference LLC. Retrieved February 20, 2013.
  2. ^ "High School All American". DC Basketball. 2010. Retrieved February 20, 2013.
  3. ^ "James Ratiff Inks Grant With Vols". The Tennessean. April 19, 1977. p. 1, 28. Retrieved March 6, 2020 – via Newspapers.com.
  4. ^ Brill, Bill (December 6, 1976). "Blue Chipper Visits Tech: A 'Super' for Hokies" (PDF). Unknown. Retrieved February 20, 2013.
  5. ^ a b c AP (July 22, 1978). "Tennessee loses forward Ratiff" (PDF). The Tuscaloosa News. Retrieved February 20, 2013.
  6. ^ "MEAC All-Tournament Selections: Men 1979–present" (PDF). Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference. 2009. Retrieved February 20, 2013.
  7. ^ a b "Atlanta Hawks Draft Picks". basketball-reference.com. Sports Reference LLC. 2012. Retrieved February 20, 2013.
  8. ^ "Howard University Athletics Remembers Fallen Bison James Ratiff". Howard Bison. January 9, 2020. Retrieved May 12, 2021.
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