WACO, Texas – Baylor men's basketball added to its frontcourt Wednesday, announcing the signing of all-conference forward Michael Rataj from Oregon State.
 
The Augsburg, Germany, native started 68 of 87 games over the last three seasons with the Beavers, averaging 11.0 points and 5.7 rebounds per game, including a career-high 16.9 points and 6.7 rebounds in 2024-25. Baylor head coach Scott Drew is excited to add someone with Rataj's experience and skill to the roster.

"A three-year starter, Michael brings high-level experience to our roster as one of the top power forwards in the nation last year," he said. "He's an all-conference performer on the floor and in the classroom, making him a great fit for us at Baylor."
 
A Karl Malone Award Top-10 honoree last year, Rataj is coming off a season where he was named to the NABC All-Pacific District Second Team, in addition to the All-West Coast Conference First Team
 
The three-time WCC Player of the Week this season finished fourth in the conference in points per game, sixth in rebounds per game and fifth in steals. He scored in double-figures 28 times in 32 games and is 42 shy of 1,000 career points.
 
Making 23 starts in 26 games as a sophomore, Rataj averaged 9.2 points and 6.0 rebounds per game after missing the start of the season with a shin injury. Contributing in other ways, Rataj finished second on the team that year in assists (44) and steals (26).
 
The 6-foot-9 forward started 16 games, appearing in all 32 as a freshman, and finished the season third among Pac-12 freshmen in rebounds per game and 10th in points per game.
 
Prior to arriving in Corvallis, Ore., Rataj competed on the international circuit, playing for the U15, 16 and 18 German national teams. He averaged 15.0 points, 6.6 rebounds and 2.4 steals for the FIBA U18 European Challengers in 2021 and competed with FC Bayern Basketball at the Germany Champions Cup.
 
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