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Oregon Basketball Center Nate Bittle Declares for NBA Draft

On3 imageby: Justin Hopkins03/31/25
Oregon Ducks center Nate Bittle (32) drives to the basket against USC Trojans forward Rashaun Agee (12) during the second half at Matthew Knight Arena
Oregon Ducks center Nate Bittle (32) drives to the basket against USC Trojans forward Rashaun Agee (12) during the second half at Matthew Knight Arena. (Craig Strobeck-Imagn Images)

In an ongoing trend with college basketball players, you can declare for the NBA Draft but still return to college. It allows players to get evaluations, identify strengths/weaknesses and make improvements. All the while preserving their college eligibility and the chance to return for another season.

Oregon center Nate Bittle is the latest to enter the NBA draft per his own declaration on social media. But Bittle also announced he could return to college and if he does, it will be to Oregon and not in the transfer portal.

“Every day I play basketball at Oregon, I live my childhood dream. Though the best part of playing at Oregon, no kid could ever imagine: The University of Oregon community and die-hard Duck fans. They are what makes this place truly special for me and I want to express my deepest gratitude. THANK YOU!!”

“After speaking with my parents, and coach Altman, I am fortunate to have the opportunity to pursue another childhood dream of one day playing in the NBA. Today, I am declaring for the 2025 NBA Draft while maintaining my college eligibility.”

“I will not be entering the transfer portal. If I return to college basketball season there will only be one place for me and it’s here in Eugene with coach Altman.”

Bittle was a key to Oregon’s success this season. The 7-footer averaged 14 points and 7.6 rebounds per game for the Ducks. He was widely considered one of the best interior defenders and averaged 2 blocks per game.

A nucleus of Bittle and Jackson Shelstad could fuel Oregon for a big run next season.

Bittle has until end of day on May 28 to withdraw his name from the NBA draft and return.

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