Rebuilding the Ducks: A Look at the Oregon Men's Basketball Roster
With the conclusion of the Oregon men's basketball season and the opening of the NCAA transfer portal, the Ducks are actively engaged in rebuilding their roster. The team faces the challenge of filling several gaps left by the departure of six players, including three starters, from a squad that achieved a 25-10 record and advanced to the second round of the NCAA Tournament. The loss to Arizona in Seattle marked the end for five seniors, and shortly after, sophomore Mookie Cook entered the transfer portal. The question now is whether more players will follow suit.
Returning Players: The Foundation for the Future
Despite the fluidity of college rosters, it's possible to identify the players who could potentially return to the team.
- Jackson Shelstad (Point Guard): Shelstad started every game as a sophomore, averaging 13.7 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 2.65 assists, earning him third-team all-Big Ten Conference honors.
- Kwame Evans Jr. (Forward): Evans Jr. played in all 35 games as a sophomore, averaging 6.1 points and 4.6 rebounds. He emerged as a key player off the bench during the final stretch of the season.
- Jadrian Tracey (Guard): Tracey, a fifth-year senior, has announced his return for a third season at Oregon. As the Ducks' sixth man, he averaged 6.9 points and 2.8 rebounds this past season.
- Jamari Phillips (Guard): Phillips, the only freshman on the 2024-25 roster, played in 14 games, averaging 1.4 points and 1.4 rebounds.
- Dezdrick Lindsay (Forward): Lindsay, a transfer, sat out the season to recover from injuries.
- Oleksandr Kobzystyi (Forward): Kobzystyi, a 6-7 junior from Ukraine, was a late addition to the 2024-25 roster and played in just two games.
Departing Players: Filling the Void
Several key players will not be returning to the team, creating significant holes in the roster.
- TJ Bamba (Guard): A starter, Bamba averaged 10.5 points, 3.4 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 1.8 steals per game.
- Keeshawn Barthelemy (Guard): Another starter, Barthelemy contributed 10.0 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game.
- Brandon Angel (Forward): As a starter, Angel averaged 8.3 points and 3.8 rebounds per game.
- Ra’Heim Moss (Guard): A reserve player, Moss averaged 1.5 points and 1.6 rebounds per game.
- Supreme Cook (Forward): Cook, a reserve, averaged 4.7 points and 2.6 rebounds per game.
- Mookie Cook (Forward): Cook averaged 1.1 points per game before entering the transfer portal.
The Big Question Mark: Nate Bittle's Decision
Center Nate Bittle has been granted a fifth year of eligibility by the NCAA, giving him the option to return. He is coming off his best season as a Duck, having started 35 games and averaged 14.2 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks. Bittle earned third-team all-Big Ten honors and was also named to the all-conference defensive team. He has expressed interest in receiving an NBA Draft evaluation but has not ruled out a return to Oregon.
Offseason Priorities: Addressing Key Needs
Coach Dana Altman and his staff will be actively seeking guards in the transfer portal to replace Bamba and Barthelemy and to complement Shelstad. Barthelemy's reliable 3-point shooting and Bamba's defensive prowess will be particularly difficult to replace. While Phillips didn't have many opportunities to showcase his abilities, he was a highly-regarded recruit out of Arizona.
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Depth at forward is another area of concern. Evans has experience as a starter and appears ready to assume that role again. Lindsay, who sat out this past season, was highly regarded by Altman when he transferred from Florida Southwestern, where he averaged 16.0 points, 7.3 rebounds, 2.9 assists, and 1.7 steals.
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