Pitt's Woodall Leaves Rough Childhood Behind | Zagsblog
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Adam Zagoria covers basketball at all levels. He is the author of two books and an award-winning journalist whose articles have appeared in ESPN The Magazine, SLAM, Sheridan Hoops, Sports Illustrated, Basketball Times and in newspapers nationwide.
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Saturday / November 23.

Pitt’s Woodall Leaves Rough Childhood Behind

Two years ago, Travon Woodall went by his mother’s home in Paterson, N.J., and made a special request.
 
Woodall was about to become one of six seniors at St. Anthony High School to sign a national letter of intent – to the University of Pittsburgh on a basketball scholarship — and he wanted his mother, Theresa Ratliff, to be sober on that day.
 
“Mom, I need you sober. I need you for this,” Ratliff recalled her son telling her. “This is my life. I want to go to school.”
 
Ratliff had battled alcohol and drug addictions for much of her adult life and was no longer living with her son. But she looked at Travon and didn’t hesitate, “OK, I’ll be there.”

Latest comments

  • Great story!
    Hopefully, these young men can break the cycles, through perseverance and communal support.

  • The young man has shown a great deal of determination and fight.
    Everyone is wishes them more success , on and off the court.
    Very strong young man.

    Note:
    Looks like CJ Leslie is interested in Arizona ,after all?
    Lisa does want to visit Arizona.

    Maybe Doron Lamb can finally set the fifth official visit- we hope.
    It would be nice for Calvin and Book to meet again.
    (azstarnet-brucie)

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