Ron Radliff

Ron Radliff (born 1958-1959 in Enumclaw, Washington) is a former professional basketball player who played in the Australian National Basketball League between 1983 and 1992. He won the NBL Championship with the Brisbane Bullets in 1985 and 1987 before finishing his career as part of the . Ron Radliff is a naturalised Australian citizen.

Radliff, known as The Rat graduated from Enumclaw Senior High School in Washington State in 1976. He then attended and graduated from Western Washington University.

Career

Ronnie The Rat landed in Australia in 1983 as an import point guard for NBL team the Brisbane Bullets. Standing 6'0" (183 cm) and known for his long curly hair and his brilliant outside shooting, Radliff spent six seasons with the Bullets under the successful coaching of Brian Kerle. As team mate to future NBL Hall of Famers Larry Sengstock, Cal Bruton, Leroy Loggins and Danny Morseu, The Rat helped the team to win its first NBL Championship in 1985 against the Adelaide 36ers and again in 1987 against the Perth Wildcats. During his time in Brisbane Radliff also helped the team to the 1984 Grand Final against the Canberra Cannons and the 1986 GF against the 36ers. 1986 was the first time the NBL used a 3 game series instead of a single championship game.

Radliff left Brisbane after they failed to make the playoffs in 1989 and joined the newly formed Gold Coast Cougers in 1990 (ironically Brisbane would make the NBL Grand Final in 1990, going down to Perth in three games). After three seasons on the Gold Coast (including a team name change from the Cougers to the Gold Coast Rollers before the 1992 season), Ron Radliff retired after the 1992 NBL season.

Ron Radliff currently sits equal 4th on the NBL All-time 3pt% list having hit 44% from outside the arc during his NBL career.^[1]

Coaching

Radliff is currently an Assistant Coach of the Gold Coast Blaze who play in the NBL.^[2]

References