Dana Altman provides status update on Oregon center Nate Bittle
Oregon will continue to operate with one of its starting big men during a crucial road game this week.
While speaking with reporters on Thursday, Ducks’ head coach Dana Altman said junior center Nate Bittle will not be available to play at Oregon State due to illness. It’s unclear if he will be able to return at any point this season.
“He’s got tests coming up; he won’t play this weekend,” Altman said. “But he’s not feeling well. He hasn’t even been able to come to practice or go to class. He’s been laid up. But he does have some tests coming up; just making sure he’s gonna be feeling OK.
“But with a month left, he’s lost weight and he didn’t have any to lose. I wish I could lose 10 (pounds) and give it to him. … He’s lost weight and he’s really weak right now. It would be a couple of weeks before he could even come back then.”
Bittle a projected starter for the Ducks this season, has missed the last four games due to illness.
In five games this season, the 7-foot junior is averaging 10.0 points and 4.4 rebounds on 48.7% shooting.
Altman was asked for further details on Bittle’s status with the caveat that there has been speculation among the program’s fanbase regarding the reason for Bittle’s recent absence.
“The young man doesn’t feel well. That’s all I can tell you,” Altman said. “We are putting him through tests to find out why. Fans can say whatever they want; it’s a young man not feeling well and that’s the end of the story.”
Earlier in the season, Bittle was sidelined for nine weeks due to a wrist injury he suffered in November. He returned in late January and started Oregon’s win over Arizona State and loss to Arizona.
Altman was asked if redshirting might be a possibility for Bittle.
“Those things will be decided later,” Altman said. “But he’s only played five games.”
The Ducks will lean heavily on all-conference center N’Faly Dante, as well as reserve senior Mahamadou Diawara. Freshman forward Kwame Evans Jr. has also operated as a small-ball five this year.
