1. Theophalus Curtis Ratliff was born on April 17,1973 and is an American former professional basketball player who played 16 seasons in the National Basketball Association.
17 Facts About Theo Ratliff
1. 2.
Theo Ratliff played for the Philadelphia 76ers, the Atlanta Hawks, the Portland Trail Blazers, the Boston Celtics, the Minnesota Timberwolves, the Detroit Pistons, the San Antonio Spurs, the Charlotte Bobcats and the Los Angeles Lakers.
3.
Theo Ratliff saw limited playing time his freshman year, playing with frontcourt upperclassmen Brian Rewers, Reggie Slater, and Tim Breaux.
4.
Theo Ratliff finished his college career as the second leading shot blocker in NCAA Division I history behind only Alonzo Mourning.
5.
Theo Ratliff's 425 blocked shots in his career as a Cowboy still stands as the most in school history, as of 2024.
6.
Theo Ratliff was inducted into the University of Wyoming Athletics Hall of Fame in 2005.
7.
Theo Ratliff was voted to his first All-Star Game in 2001, averaging 12.4 points, 8.3 rebounds, and a league-leading 3.7 blocks per game.
8.
Theo Ratliff however was injured just prior to the All Star game and unable to play, instead requiring season-ending surgery.
9.
Theo Ratliff played just three games due to a hip injury the following season.
10.
Theo Ratliff posted 307 blocks for the year; as of 2023, this is the only season a player eclipsed 300 blocks for a year since Dikembe Mutombo in 1996.
11.
Theo Ratliff missed games over the next two seasons dealing with nagging injuries, and eventually lost his starting job to Joel Przybilla.
12.
In February 2008 Theo Ratliff was waived by the Timberwolves, and he rejoined the Detroit Pistons in March.
13.
In Detroit, Theo Ratliff returned to the playoffs for the first time since 2000, as the Pistons advanced to the Eastern Conference Finals.
14.
Theo Ratliff was signed by the Los Angeles Lakers on July 22,2010, to a one-year deal.
15.
Theo Ratliff played basketball at Demopolis High School in Demopolis, Alabama, and later graduated from the University of Wyoming.
16.
Theo Ratliff created The Theo Ratliff Center in Demopolis, Alabama which is a recreation center with a basketball court.
17.
Theo Ratliff was the owner of the Rome Gladiators basketball team.