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Oregon steps into the 2024-25 college basketball season aiming to surpass its second-round finish in the 2024 NCAA Tournament.
Now under the Big Ten conference, the Ducks hope to carry over their success in the now-defunct Pac-12 Conference and secure an NCAA Tournament bid for the second season in a row.
Recently, Oregon coach Dana Altman has strengthened his squad, recruiting the best players available in the transfer portal and the high school ranks. He hopes that his team will make big strides in a new conference and fulfill its goal of winning the second national title and the first since 1939.
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Here's a closer look into the Ducks' 2024–25 men's basketball campaign, from its biggest games to the players watch out for this season.
Oregon's biggest games in the 2024-25 season
The Ducks belong to a loaded Big Ten conference, which features 2024 national championship runner-up Purdue and Elite Eight qualifier Illinois.
The Ducks are lined up to play former Pac-12 Conference-mates UCLA, USC and Washington in their home and away matches in the Big 10.
Oregon hosts Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Nebraska, Northwestern, Purdue and Rutgers during the regular season and visits Iowa, Michigan, Michigan State, Minnesota, Ohio State, Penn State and Wisconsin.
Meanwhile, Oregon is still finalizing its non-conference schedule and Altman wants his team to play game in the western side of the country due to travel constraints.
They've been lined up to play against Stanford in the San Jose Tip-Off at the SAP Center in San Jose, California, on December 21. It will be the 153rd all-time meeting between the Ducks and the Cardinal.
Oregon opens the season against UC Riverside at the Matthew Knight Arena on November 4 and will play against Creighton in the Players' Era Tournament in Las Vegas on Nov. 26, 27 and 29.
Key Oregon players to watch out for in the 2024-25 season
Oregon coach Dana Altman parades one of his most talented lineups in his 15-year tenure as the Ducks' bench tactician.
Although Oregon has lost top scorers N'Faly Dante and Jermaine Couisnard, it's still a force to be reckoned with in the Big Ten conference as it has acquired highly-touted players from the transfer portal and high school recruitment.
Together with some returnees from its 2023–24 campaign, they form a solid 16-man roster that could be one of the favorites to emerge as the top team in the Big Ten. Here are three Oregon players that fans should watch out for in the coming season.
#1. Jackson Shelstad
Jackson Shelstad played well in his freshman season with Oregon, averaging 12.0 points, 2.8 rebounds and 2.8 assists per game. The six-foot guard started in 30 of 32 games for the Ducks this past season.
His excellent figures were enough for him to be named to the Pac-12 All-Freshman Team and All-Pac-12 Tournament team. He is expected to be the main offensive option for Oregon in its 2024–25 campaign.
#2. Ra'Heim Moss
Ra'Heim Moss is coming off a breakout season with Toledo, where he tallied 15.5 points, 5.4 rebounds and 3.0 assists per contest with the Rockets. Moss started in 31 of 32 games for Toledo this past season.
The 6-4 senior shot 46.2% from the field and 75.3% from the free-throw line. Moss will be an important contributor for Oregon's offense next season, helping out with guard duties with Shelstad.
#3. Nate Bittle
Nate Bittle missed 31 games this past season due to injury and illness but when the seven-footer plays, he contributes a lot for the team in limited minutes.
In the five games he played last year, Bittle tallied 10.0 points, 4.4 rebounds, 1.0 blocks and 0.8 assists per game.
Bittle is seen to step into the role of the team's top center when the new season approaches, as he is destined to gain more touches from the paint due to his size.
Oregon's predictions for the 2024-25 season
Oregon hopes the Pac-12 surge, which led to an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament, will carry over in its new home, the Big Ten Conference.
Expect Oregon to adjust in their new surroundings as the conference is tougher and competition is fiercer. A 23-win season gives them a 50% chance of securing one of the 68 slots in the 2025 NCAA Tournament.
Will Oregon remain competitive in the Big 10 Conference? Let us know your views in the comments section.
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