The transfer portal is officially open, and for the Oregon Ducks men's basketball team, it's a critical lifeline. After a difficult 2025-26 season that yielded just 12 wins, the Ducks are facing a massive roster exodus that demands an immediate and strategic response.
The departures are significant. The team is losing its star point guard, Jackson Shelstad, and forward Kwame Evans Jr., both of whom were All-Big Ten selections. Wings Devon Pryor and Dezdrick Lindsay, who combined for 19 starts, are also exiting, alongside promising combo guard Wei Lin. With the graduation of center Nate Bittle, Oregon is saying goodbye to a staggering 60.5 of its 70.8 points per game. Simply put, this roster has major holes to fill.
While a promising freshman class featuring four-stars Tajh Ariza and Kendre Harrison is on the way, asking first-year players to carry the load is not a viable strategy in the competitive landscape of college basketball. Head coach Dana Altman and his staff must be aggressive in the portal to rebuild a competitive squad. Here are the key areas they need to address.
The most glaring need is at the guard position. With Shelstad's departure, the Ducks lose their primary playmaker and scorer. The remaining guards from last season's rotation, Jamari Phillips and Drew Carter, have yet to enter the portal, but their production was limited. Carter is a steady ball-handler but offers little scoring punch, while Phillips, a highly-touted recruit, has struggled to find his shot early in his collegiate career. Oregon desperately needs a dynamic, scoring guard who can create offense both for himself and others, a foundational piece to rebuild around.
Equally important is finding a reliable big man. The departure of Nate Bittle leaves a void in the paint, both defensively and as a scoring threat. While freshman Kendre Harrison brings exciting two-sport athleticism, his focus will be divided with football. The Ducks need an experienced, physical post player who can anchor the defense, control the glass, and provide efficient scoring close to the basket. Securing a proven interior presence will be essential for establishing toughness and balance.
Finally, the Ducks must add proven scoring from the wing. The exits of Pryor and Lindsay deplete the team's perimeter depth and scoring options. Oregon needs a versatile wing or forward who can stretch the floor with consistent outside shooting—a skill that was often missing last season. Adding a player who can knock down threes and attack closeouts will open up the offense and create much-needed spacing for whoever assumes the point guard role.
The work for Dana Altman begins now. The transfer portal offers a chance for a quick reset, but it requires precise targeting. By securing a lead guard, a defensive anchor, and a scoring wing, the Ducks can lay the groundwork for a much-needed turnaround and get back to playing the exciting, competitive basketball their fans expect.