Big news for Oregon Ducks basketball fans – center Nate Bittle might be flying off to the NBA if the draft winds blow in his favor. Bittle, who dominated as the starting center for Oregon, has put his name in the 2025 NBA draft mix, but he's keeping his college playing door open, as reported by OregonLive. Retaining his college eligibility means Bittle could return for a final season with the Ducks if he withdraws from draft consideration before the deadline.
Cherishing his time with Oregon, Bittle expressed sincere affection for his current team, noting, "Every day I play basketball at Oregon, I live my childhood dream," he said the comfort level and the community that's made his time at Oregon uniquely rewarding were essential to his college experience – "The University of Oregon community and the die-hard Duck fans, they are what makes this place truly special for me and I want to express my deepest gratitude, thank you!!" in a statement revealed by KGW.
His impact on the court is undeniable with Bittle leading the Ducks this season, averaging 14.2 points and 7.6 rebounds per game; his performance in the NCAA Tournament was particularly noteworthy, dropping 14 and 16 points in Oregon's matchups against Liberty and Arizona, respectively. This impressive slate of games only magnified his presence and potential in the basketball world, lending credence to his NBA prospects.
Standing a full 7 feet tall, Bittle's game is a modern coach's daydream, his size and shooting prowess making him a valuable asset to any NBA team -not to mention his rim protection skills providing a sturdy backbone for defenses; these traits could serve him well at the professional level, as highlighted by Ducks Wire, with most draft analysts slotting him as a probable second-round pick even though Bittle's standout season has drawn increased attention which may boost his draft stock - a slight weight gain could be on the agenda, presumed to help him handle the NBA's physical demands and add to his intimidating presence in the paint.
