The All-Time starting 5 of Dana Altman's Oregon Basketball era

On Wednesday Night, in truly shocking fashion, the Dana Altman era came to an end for the Oregon Basketball program. While everyone knew Altman would eventually retire, no one saw it coming, given how close the 2026-27 season was to kicking off. As Oregon moves from a legendary era into an uncertain future, it's incredible to look back on Altman's run.

Under Dana Altman, Oregon made nine NCAA Tournaments and went a perfect 8-0 in the first round, giving Ducks fans plenty to root for during March Madness. Altman led Oregon to five Sweet 16 appearances, two Elite Eight appearances and a Final Four, along with four regular-season Pac-12 titles and four Pac-12 Tournament championships. That postseason success and sustained dominance give Altman an incredible résumé as Oregon's head coach.

The runs by Oregon Basketball don't happen without Altman, but they also don't happen without some incredible players. Picking the ultimate starting 5 of the Altman era is tough with so many electric playmakers, but we take our best shot at building the group.

Building the All-Time starting 5 of the Dana Altman era

Guard - Payton Pritchard

There isn't a more accomplished Oregon Duck under Dana Altman than West Linn native Payton Pritchard. As a freshman, Pritchard started for the Ducks during their Final Four run and only built on that impressive debut season from there. By the time his Oregon career was over, he had taken home the Lute Olson Award, Bob Cousy Award, Pac-12 Player of the Year, Pac-12 Tournament Most Outstanding Player award, earned a pair of All-Pac-12 selections, and was named a consensus All-American in 2020. Those accomplishments cement Pritchard's place among the greatest players in Oregon basketball history.

Guard - Chris Duarte

While Chris Duarte only spent two seasons in Eugene, it was an incredible ride for the former JUCO product. Duarte impressed during his first season with the Ducks, but he truly exploded during the 2020-21 season, averaging 17.1 points per game while establishing himself as one of the best all-around players in the country. Duarte left Eugene as the No. 13 overall pick in the NBA Draft, taking home the Jerry West Award while earning First-Team All-Pac-12 honors, All-Pac-12 Defensive Team honors, and Third-Team All-American recognition.

Guard - Joe Young

When it comes to pure scoring, Joe Young could go toe-to-toe with anyone in Oregon history. After beginning his college career at Houston, Young spent just two seasons in Eugene but still finished as one of the top 20 scorers in program history. His 2015 season was especially electrifying, as Young averaged 20.7 points per game and took home Pac-12 Player of the Year honors.

Forward - Dillon Brooks

Hands down, the best overall player of the Dana Altman era was Dillon Brooks, who always rose to the occasion in big moments. On the offensive end, Brooks averaged 14.8 points per game over three seasons, scoring more points through his junior season than anyone in program history. Brooks also gave the Ducks incredible roster flexibility with his ability to defend every position. Leading the Ducks to the Final Four will make Brooks a legend in Eugene forever, and he's one of the first players you think of when you think of Dana Altman's time at the helm.

Forward - Jordan Bell

Jordan Bell played three seasons for the Ducks, and while the team had some incredible offensive talents, Bell brought elite ability on the defensive side. Over three seasons, Bell blocked 235 shots, and when he wasn't blocking shots, he was throwing down highlight reel dunks that would send the crowd into a frenzy. It's only fitting that as Dana Altman departs the program, Jordan Bell returns as an assistant on the staff to carry the tradition forward

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