Former Texas A&M Forward Janusz Ratowski Commits to UTEP Basketball
UTEP’s men’s basketball program has added a versatile front‑court piece as Janusz Ratowski, a 6‑11 forward with a global résumé, officially signed with the Miners this week. The signing comes after a season in which Ratowski sat out the 2024‑25 campaign at Texas A&M as a redshirt, giving him an extra year of development under the Aggies’ staff. Prior to his redshirt year, Ratowski honed his game across several Polish clubs, most notably with SMS PZKosz Wladyssalwowo, where he posted a double‑double average of 9.6 points and 9.4 rebounds over 28 appearances in the 2023‑24 season. His earlier stint with Texas A&M saw him appear in 29 games during the 2022‑23 campaign, contributing 8.7 points and 6.4 rebounds per game, while earlier years at Stetson produced modest but steady numbers of 2.2 points and 1.7 rebounds per contest. Beyond the collegiate stage, Ratowski earned a spot on the U20 Poland national team in 2024, a testament to his rapid ascent and international appeal. His performances for club side Profbud Legia Warszawa and Flota Gdynia further demonstrated his adaptability against diverse styles of play. Coach Joe Golding expressed enthusiasm about the new addition, noting that Ratowski’s size, work ethic and experience in high‑pressure environments position him to compete immediately in the Mountain West Conference. Golding highlighted the player’s ability to stretch the floor and protect the rim, traits that could prove decisive as the Miners aim to climb the conference standings. The Miners’ front office believes the addition of a player with both NCAA and European experience will enrich the team’s depth and competitiveness as they head into the upcoming season. Fans can expect to see Ratowski integrated into the rotation early, as the coaching staff plans to leverage his versatility on both ends of the court.