Jordan Ratinho, De La Salle
File photo by Dennis Lee
It's not a coincidence that the favorite team of
Jordan Ratinho is the San Antonio Spurs.
Unselfish, all-around players like Kawhi Leonard, Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker — along with Tim Duncan — are among those he admires and attempts to model.
All of the Spurs are known for their loyalty as well.
Ratinho, a
De La Salle (Concord, Calif.) senior, has stayed true to his home base as well by picking USF as his college choice.
The 6-foot-5, 185-pound guard is the Dons' first 2016 commitment and he made the decision over the weekend. He's been a three-year starter for the Spartans and last season he was the East Bay Athletic League Co-Most Valuable Player.
He'll join former longtime De La Salle coach Frank Allocco, who in the spring accepted USF's associate head coaching job under Rex Walters.
Ratinho is a polished, versatile player who can either guard position or even small forward. He averaged more than 14 points per game last season for De La Salle.
"Playing close to home, in front of my family and friends and for coach Allocco and coach Walters — knowing how much they care about their players — had a lot to do with my decision," Ratinho said. "I'm very excited."
He's excited for what promises to be successful 2015-16 season. The Spartans went 27-5 last season and return 10 players from that squad for new coach AJ Kuhle, including three-year starter
Nikhil Peters and top junior guard
Emeka Udenyi.
Kuhle, who played on the 2000 De La Salle state title team, has coached the last eight seasons at the University of Denver.
"I think we have the chance to make a real deep run," Ratinho said.
