What’s Next for Oregon Basketball? A Complete Look Ahead

As we've all seen, Oregon’s season came to a tough end last night with a heartbreaking loss to Arizona. The Ducks started strong, building a 14-point lead in the first half, but couldn't hold on. A combination of poor rebounding and missed free throws ultimately doomed Oregon in the closing moments. With the season now officially over, all eyes turn toward the 2025-26 campaign and what the future holds for Dana Altman’s squad.

Oregon will be saying goodbye to five seniors: Keeshawn Barthelemy, TJ Bamba, Supreme Cook, Brandon Angel, and Ra’Heim Moss. On a brighter note, Jadrian Tracey has already announced his return after being granted another year of eligibility. Nate Bittle was also granted another year but hasn’t yet revealed his plans. Bittle had a strong season and could draw attention from the NBA Draft, possibly as a second-rounder. If he doesn’t return, Oregon will face a major gap at the center position.

Looking at the incoming talent, Oregon’s 2025 recruiting class is off to a modest start with just one commit: 3-star guard JJ Frakes from Berrien Springs, Michigan. Listed at 6-foot-5 and 190 pounds, Frakes is an under-the-radar prospect who could turn some heads. I was not able to find his senior stats, but as a junior, he averaged 24.4 points per game while shooting 45% from the field and 35.5% from three on 6.5 attempts per game. While not the flashiest name in the class, Frakes has the tools to be a valuable contributor.

Oregon may not be done with its 2025 class just yet. The Ducks are still in the hunt for two intriguing prospects: 5-star guard Brayden Burries and unranked but fast-rising center Paul Mbiya. Burries, a 6-foot-4, 200-pound guard from San Bernardino, California, would be a huge get for the Ducks. Mbiya, on the other hand, is a 6-foot-11, 260-pound big man from South Africa with massive upside. Both are high priorities for the coaching staff.

Burries took an official visit to Oregon in October and is moving slowly with his recruitment. I asked about him a couple weeks ago and I was told that Oregon has a shot to land him, that's it. Tennessee, Arizona, Alabama, SMU, and USC are also in play. If the Ducks land him, he’d be a day-one impact player and a perfect complement to Jackson Shelstad. Mbiya is taking his official visit to Oregon from March 30 to April 2, acording to 247Sports' Dushawn London. For Mbiya, Oregon looks like the team to beat, though schools like Syracuse, Washington, Texas Tech, Georgetown, Seton Hall, LSU, and Santa Clara are also reportedly showing interest.

While high school recruiting remains very active at the moment, the transfer portal will be just as important for Oregon this offseason. With five seniors departing and potentially more holes to fill depending on Bittle’s decision and recruiting results, expect the Ducks to be active. If Oregon can land Burries and/or Mbiya, it would change their portal needs. Either way, roster construction will be a busy puzzle for Dana Altman and staff, and the next few weeks will be critical as portal activity picks up.