Source: Michael Rataj – Sports Illustrated
On February 17, 2024, I was sitting in my room when Oregon announced that men’s basketball was heading north to take on our in state rivals. From a student perspective, I wanted to feel a part of the rivalry. I really wanted to go, but do not drive being that I am an out-of-state student. I was busy with classes and money was tight as well, so it had been a while since I had attended a sporting event. But then again, I really wanted go. At the last second, I convinced a friend of mine to take me.
On my way to Corvallis, I had an agenda for how I wanted my night to go. It was to go into enemy territory, create as much chaos as possible, and cheer for a win against the Beavers. I was quickly met with hostility just like every other duck fan, but it was great. I for sure was “not a lucky duck” that day.
My attention span shifted towards the 6’9 220 lb power forward, Michael Rataj, the sophomore from Augsburg, Germany. He was coming off of shin surgery, which did not help with the game speed of college basketball. Being a former athlete, I know all about being inexperienced and dealing with gruesome injuries, so he had a lot to get used to.
Source: 2023-24 | Oregon vs. Oregon State | The Register Guard
As the game progressed, my agenda was replaced with humility. The more I cheered for Oregon, the more Oregon State mounted a comeback. The Beavers struggled all season, but showed up on rivalry day. Mikey hit a crucial three-point shot that brought the game within six. He also had three late rebounds that allowed Oregon State to tie the game in the final minute.
Despite his near double-double performance, Oregon won. But, the rivalry for me did not matter anymore at this point. The love of the game and the athletes who play it surpassed that. Going home, I made it a point to tell him that his work ethic inspired me to follow his game from that day forward. When they came to Eugene two weeks later, I wanted to meet him. So, I did, and told him exactly what I was going to. Despite the seasons of struggle, he was named a part of a sophomore trio with Jordan Pope (Texas), and Tyler Bilodeau (UCLA).
Source: via iPhone Camera (Oregon vs. Oregon State) February 28, 2024
After talking to Mikey about his performance, I asked if we can be friends going forward. Without hesitation he said, “Yes, and thank you for believing in me and supporting me!” This fall, I witnessed him one of the biggest games of his career against #16 ranked Gonzaga where he scored a career high 29 points.
He continues to dominate the game this year earning a few double-doubles prior to this game. Against Santa Clara, Rataj reached another milestone with 30 points. He has shown true dominance this year with double digit scoring this year.
Maybe, not being a “lucky duck” is a good thing. Mikey prefers a tight-knit community with a family feel. Aside from the accolades and attention from playing the game, Mikey is not attention-seeking at all. He is very humble and dedicated to his academics.
His dream to play in the States came true when coaches showed up in Germany asking him to visit Corvallis. Oregon State took a chance on him which is why he stayed when most of his teammates transferred.
Source: via iPhone Camera (Oregon vs. UCLA) December 8, 2024
In the end, I am glad he stayed because I get to watch a team build their program around a guy who grew up on hard work and true basketball skill. I believed he was going to be a star since I first watched him play last year. It was only a matter of time.
Most importantly, I am glad that I get to watch my friend grow into a tremendous person during my final year of college.
Source: via iPhone: Camera (Oregon State vs. Gonzaga) January 16, 2025
Jaeden Gordon 