The Ducks didn't have a perfect year, but their seven-game winning streak to cap off their first season in the Big Ten earned them a lot of respect, especially for two veteran players who stepped up big during some of Oregon's biggest games.
Senior center Nate Bittle and senior guard TJ Bamba both earned spots on the Big Ten All-Defensive team, with Bittle also earning a place on the All-Big Ten Third Team. Both stepped up in dire situations for the Ducks when Oregon was in must-win situations throughout the regular season, and their efforts paid off when it came to conference honors.
Nate Bittle 2024-25 season stats
- 14.1 points per game
- 7.3 rebounds per game
- 2.2 blocks per game
- 1.8 assists per game
Bittle was a defensive menace off the glass and before shots even hit their vertex for Oregon. He led the Ducks with 225 total rebounds (169 on the defensive end of the court) and 69 blocks throughout the regular season.
The center is an Oregon-grown player, raised less than three hours south of the Ducks' home court in Matthew Knight Arena. He has played for the Ducks for four seasons but was granted an additional year of eligibility due to missing extended stretches with injuries or illnesses.
TJ Bamba 2024-25 season stats
- 10.2 points per game
- 3.4 rebounds per game
- 2.9 assists per game
- 1.8 steals per game
Bamba was a ball hawk for the Ducks this year. He snagged a team-leading 56 total steals this season, as well as 87 rebounds off the defensive glass.
Also read: Ducks climb back inside the AP Top 25 ahead of the Big Ten Tournament
Bittle, Bamba, and the rest of the Ducks will kick off their postseason campaign in their first-ever Big Ten Tournament. Oregon is scheduled to tip off against the Indiana Hoosiers on Thursday, March 13, at 9 a.m. PT in the second round of the conference tournament.