Navigating the Transfer Portal: Oregon Ducks Basketball Roster Reshaping

The college basketball landscape is ever-evolving, and the transfer portal has become a pivotal element in team construction. The Oregon Ducks, under coach Dana Altman, are actively navigating this portal to bolster their roster for the upcoming season, especially as they prepare for the competitiveness of the Big Ten Conference. The coaching staff, including assistant coaches Tony Stubblefield and Mike Mennenga, recognizes the year-round commitment required to identify and recruit talented players.

The Transfer Portal Landscape

The opening of the transfer portal sees hundreds of players seeking new opportunities. This trend has become increasingly common in college athletics, requiring coaches to constantly evaluate and adapt their rosters.

Departures and Potential Losses

The Ducks face the departure of key seniors such as guard TJ Bamba, guard Keeshawn Barthelemy, guard Ra'Heim Moss, forward Supreme Cook, and forward Brandon Angel, all of whom have exhausted their college eligibility. Additionally, forward Mookie Cook has entered the transfer portal.

Mookie Cook, a former five-star recruit, announced his departure from the Oregon Ducks, entering the transfer portal. Cook, a 6-foot-6 sophomore from Portland, was a highly touted recruit but his playing time was limited. He should receive a redshirt waiver for the 2023-24 season, leaving him with three seasons of eligibility.

Sophomore forward Kwame Evans Jr.'s decision to return is uncertain. Center Nate Bittle and sophomore guard Jackson Shelstad have signed up for spring classes.

Altman wants everyone back, as long as they want to be in Eugene. “I want our guys to be happy,” Altman said. “I hope they can be happy at the University of Oregon. … I hope and pray that the guys want to stay, because I, like I said, I want them to stay. Everybody that can come back, I want them to come back.”

Current Roster Status

As it currently stands, the Oregon Ducks' 2025-26 roster has six of the 15 scholarships filled:

6-5 senior guard Jadrian Tracey
6-7 junior forward Oleksandr Kobzystyi
6-6 junior forward Dezdrick Lindsay
6-3 freshman guard Jamari Phillips
6-5 freshman guard JJ Frakes
6-7 sophomore forward Devon Pryer

JJ Frakes is the only incoming high school recruit from the Class of 2025 for Oregon. The 6-5 shooting guard from Michigan is a three-star recruit.

Transfer Portal Targets and Commitments

Devon Pryor - Transfer In

Former Texas Longhorns small forward Devon Pryor has committed to play for the Oregon Ducks. Pryor, standing at 6-foot-7 and weighing 180 pounds, played in 24 games this past season, averaging just over 12 minutes per game and three points a game. Playing time must have been a huge reason why he is making the move to Eugene. Pryor should be a nice fit at the small forward position for the Ducks.

Tyrone Riley IV - Potential Target

The Oregon Ducks have reportedly contacted San Francisco Dons freshman guard Tyrone Riley IV. Riley, a 6-6 guard, was one of the best freshmen in the West Coast Conference, averaging 9.6 points on 50.2 percent shooting, 6.0 rebounds, and 1.2 steals per game.

Read also: Crafting Your NCAA Profile

Koren Johnson - Potential Target

Louisville Cardinals junior guard Koren Johnson has reportedly garnered interest from the Ducks. The 6-2 guard from Seattle, Washington, previously won the Pac-12 Sixth Man of the Year award with the Washington Huskies in 2023-24, averaging 11.1 points, 2.7 assists, and 1.2 steals. He only played two games this past season due to a shoulder injury.

Abdi Bashir - Potential Target

Monmouth Hawks sophomore guard Abdi Bashir has entered the transfer portal, and Oregon is reportedly recruiting him. The 6-7 guard led the Coastal Athletic League in scoring at 20.1 per game and the nation in made three-pointers with 127, shooting 38.3 percent from beyond the arc.

Jonathan Powell - Potential Target

West Virginia Mountaineers freshman guard Jonathan Powell has also been identified as a potential target. The 6-6, 191-pound guard averaged 8.3 points and 3.1 rebounds per game, shooting 35.2 percent from three-point range. Powell is ranked as the No. 76 player in the portal.

Jacari White - Potential Target

North Dakota State Bison senior guard Jacari White was one of the best shotmakers in the Summit League. The 6-3 guard scored 17.1 points per game on a 45.2 field goal percentage and 39.8 three-point percentage.

Paul Mbiya - International Target

Paul Mbiya is an international recruiting target. The 6-10, 260-pound center previously played for the French pro team LDLC ASVEL of the EuroLeague and is originally from the Congo.

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