The 2025-2026 season for the Oregon Basketball team was as disappointing as they come. Coming off a 25-10 (12-8) debut season in the Big Ten, Oregon took a major step back finishing the year 12-20 (5-15), missing the NCAA Tournament while giving Dana Altman the first losing season of his tenure leading the Ducks.
There isn't much pressure on Dana Altman to win in 2026-27, as he'd likely need to stack several losing seasons before Oregon considered moving on, but there is some pressure. The good news for Dana Altman is that many in his position got a boost in a big way thanks to the NCAA Tournament.
Rebuilding is easier for Dana Altman under expanded NCAA Tournament
Last week, news broke that the NCAA was taking the final steps to expand the NCAA Tournament in Men's and Women's basketball. While many would argue that Mid-Major teams should be rewarded more, the most likely outcome is that a lot of .500 or worse Power 4 teams will become the benefactors of expansion.
For Oregon Basketball, being given an even wider chance at making the Tournament is certainly beneficial. Dana Altman had to turn his entire roster, and rather than trying to build a top heavy team with a star that can take the Ducks back to the NCAA Tournament, the program was able to build a deeper roster.
Turning over the entire roster is a major risk as you take a chance on not having great chemistry to start the season. Oregon returns just one player from last season, but you seemingly could take longer to come together as a team with how many teams will make the NCAA Tournament.
The approach this offseason was clearly to build depth while getting more athletic and better from 3 point range. The changes were needed, but often time when taking players with these traits, the good ones get paid massive deals while players like the Ducks added have some flaws with their style of play.
The best Dana Altman teams always gel and come together as the season moves along, and typically a bad start could sink a team. Instead, Dana Altman and his staff get to develop the players on the job next season, and have a better chance in March as they can afford to take early lumps with the security of an expanded tournament.
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