Orlando's NBA status allowed Renaldo to be popular in school, but also led to inevitable comparisons, which weren't kind when Renaldo was a scrawny 6-foot freshman at Harvard-Westlake High. Renaldo eventually grew and developed into a top prospect and chose Tennessee (over USC) out of high school.
In four seasons (one cut short by injury), he appeared in 93 games, started 20 and averaged 3.2 points. He never really shook the label of "Orlando's son."
"I've always felt like that," Woolridge said. "But this year, with him passing, instead of me looking at it as a burden, I tried to embrace it. I decided to wear No. 0 at USC in his honor and I decided I wouldn't feel any pressure. I feel honored to be able to represent him and carry on that legacy."
"I'm just trying to be positive. It's been really tough not playing. It brings back memories of this time last year. I was starting in the SEC, starting at center for Tennessee, and my dad came to Knoxville and was working with me on post moves."
Having completed his sociology degree, Woolridge petitioned the NCAA for an extra season, then received a hardship waiver that allowed him to join USC this season. Things haven't quite worked out as planned.
"The thing that really frustrates me is that I feel like I haven't been given an opportunity," Woolridge said. "I wanted to come back and show my face, because this is where I made a name for myself, coming out of high school and being a top recruit. I wanted to come back for my last year and live up to that role.
