Another top transfer has chosen a new school for the upcoming year has chosen a new school. This time, Michael Rataj has committed to play for Baylor following his time at Oregon State. For the first time in years, the move from Oregon State to Baylor constitutes a huge bump in conference prestige. Despite a new Pac-12 forming soon, the Big 12 still should sit well above the “conference of champions” next season. So what made Rataj a high-quality transfer? What will he provide for Baylor? And will Rataj’s commitment mean renewed success for the Bears in the 25-26 season? Let’s dive in.
Oregon State Star Michael Rataj Transfers to Baylor
What Made Rataj a Top-Tier Transfer?
Rataj could score and rebound with the best of them. This past season for Oregon State, Rataj averaged 16.9 points and 7.2 rebounds. Rebounding is such a huge factor in team success, so Rataj brings an instant spark to any team in that regard His scoring ability came from both inside and outside, shooting 48.4% from the field while also making 35.1% of threes (he made 33 total on the year). Teams like North Carolina and others need this kind of player, so he fits the criteria to be a top-20 transfer in the class of 2025.
However, Michael Rataj will provide more than just scoring and rebounding for Baylor. He averaged 2.0 assists per game, a solid number for a forward. He also brought defensive intensity, averaging 1.6 steals and 0.6 blocks per game. Rataj did all this in 32.4 minutes per game while only averaging 2.2 fouls per game. A big man who can score, rebound, defend, and avoid foul trouble checks pretty much every box.
What Does Rataj Provide for Baylor?
Michael Rataj helps replace one of Baylor’s key pieces, Norchad Omier. Omier is more of a force down in the paint and dominates the boards with his energetic play style. However, he never provided much more than a paint presence for Miami and Baylor. Rataj opens the door for the modern game to take over the frontcourt. Rataj still averaged over seven rebounds per game, but he brought outside scoring and efficiency to the Beavers. He will bring that same thing to Baylor. The Bears finished 110th in three-point percentage, so adding another outside scorer should help the Bears overcome their shooting woes.
Will Baylor be a National Championship Contender?
Rataj brings a lot to the table for Baylor. Scott Drew has already proven he can coach talent to a national championship, but they need more help. VJ Edgecombe will be a lottery pick, and Omier and Jeremy Roach will graduate. That’s 40 points per game in those three players, so Rataj only makes up for 17 of them. They will need other top transfers before we begin to declare the Bears as a contender. They picked up four-star freshman Tounde Yessoufou but they have no other recruits. Baylor will have to go after other dynamic scorers and defenders to replace their lost players.
Isaac McKneely will likely be a player they try to approach as a transfer. If they need more frontcourt help, Robert Morris transfer Alvaro Folgueiras could be a lesser-known name to fill in for the Bears. As much as Rataj brings to the table for the Bears, they will need a lot more help in the coming days if they hope to compete with the best teams in the country and win another national championship.
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