By TODD MOORE
Barton Sports Info
Former Cougar Taaj Ridley became part of NBA history this past Monday helping the Boston Celtics to the 2024 NBA title defeating the Dallas Mavericks 4-1 in the best-of-seven championship series.
Originally from Bronx, New York, Ridley spent the 2008-09 season with the Barton Community College men's basketball team, sidelined by injury his sophomore campaign before moving on to the four-year level and beyond. Spending eight years playing professionally including a season in the NBA G League, Ridley coached two seasons as a graduate assistant at Penn State University.
While at PSU, Ridley helped the Nittany Lions to a Big Ten runner-up finish going on to break a twelve year big dance drought by participating in the 2023 NCAA Tournament.
Ridley joined the Celtics as Video Coordinator and Player Development Coach with his initial season capped by the franchise's 18th Championship banner.