Michael Rataj

Michael Rataj is a German college basketball power forward for the Baylor Bears of the Big 12 Conference.

Early life

Rataj grew up in Augsburg, Germany. He represented Germany at the 2021 FIBA U18 European Challengers, averaging 15 points, 3.8 rebounds and 1.4 steals per game. After beginning his career with Bayern Munich, Rataj split time between OrangeAcademy and Ratiopharm Ulm, becoming the second youngest player to compete in the EuroCup. In 2021, he committed to play college basketball at Oregon State University.

College career

During his first two seasons, Rataj averaged 6.1 points and 4.1 rebounds as a freshman and 8.3 points and a team-high 5.8 rebounds as a sophomore. As a junior, Rataj began to have a breakout season, doubling his scoring production. Against No. 16 Gonzaga, he scored 29 points, helping lead the Beavers to a 97–89 upset win in overtime. For his performance, he was named the West Coast Conference co-player of the week, becoming the first Beaver to be named conference player of the week twice during a single season since Roberto Nelson during the 2013–14 season. Against Santa Clara, he scored a career-high 30 points in an 83–69 victory.
Following the 2024-25 season, Rataj transferred to Baylor for his final season of eligibility.