The Oregon Ducks entered the 2024–25 season with questions about how they’d fare in the Big Ten gauntlet. By season’s end, they had answered decisively. A 25–10 record and 7th place finish in a stacked conference proved they belonged—and then some. This season was far more than wins and losses; it was about growth, grit, and breakout performances that made this Ducks squad one of the most compelling stories in college basketball.
A Strong Start Built on Versatility and Defense
Oregon didn’t tiptoe into their schedule—they charged out of the gate. The Ducks established their identity early by winning their first nine games, including impressive victories over ranked opponents like Texas A&M, San Diego State, and Alabama. They could score in waves and lock down opponents when it counted.
As the wins piled up, Oregon began popping up in more conversations in rankings and media coverage. Their undefeated start wasn’t just impressive—it became one of the talking points in the latest college basketball news, especially after back-to-back wins over two top-20 teams in November. Analysts started circling their name as a tournament lock and a team that might shake up the Big Ten pecking order.
Much of that success stemmed from the paint. Center Nate Bittle (#32) emerged as a two-way anchor, averaging 14.2 points and 7.6 rebounds per game while shooting 51.1% from the field. He protected the rim with authority, swatting away 2.1 shots per game and controlling the glass with 5.7 defensive rebounds each night. Bittle’s consistent presence inside gave Oregon a backbone—something every Big Ten contender needs.
But the Ducks weren’t one-dimensional. Guard TJ Bamba (#5) brought edge and energy on the perimeter, leading the team with 1.8 steals per game. His 3.0 assists per game helped keep the offense fluid, while his turnover rate (just 1.5 per game) highlighted his decision-making. Oregon blended their inside-out game well, creating mismatches on both ends.
Midseason Challenges and the Big Ten Reality Check
The real test came when conference play kicked into high gear. After a thrilling overtime win against Wisconsin on February 22—one of their grittiest road performances—the Ducks stood at 20–8 overall and 9–8 in the Big Ten. Their resilience became a theme. Every time they were knocked back, they returned with a response.
From mid-January to early February, Oregon hit its most brutal stretch, dropping five straight games. Losses to Purdue, Minnesota, UCLA, Nebraska, and Michigan had some questioning whether the early-season success would hold. But even in those games, Bittle and freshman guard Jackson Shelstad continued to produce. Shelstad, in particular, elevated his game during this period. His scoring totals—23 against Maryland, 24 against Ohio State, 26 against Northwestern—showed maturity beyond his years.
The turnaround came at the right moment. Oregon rattled off wins in five of their final six regular-season games, including a revenge victory over Indiana and a dominant finish against USC and Washington. Their final regular-season record: 23–8 overall, 12–8 in the Big Ten.
Jackson Shelstad’s Breakout and Backcourt Brilliance
Shelstad’s rise couldn’t have come at a better time for Oregon. The freshman guard led the team in scoring during several high-pressure moments. His 36-point explosion against Washington in an overtime win on March 9 turned heads across the conference. His calm under pressure and aggressive shot selection gave Oregon a go-to scorer when games got tight.
He also shared the floor effectively with Bamba, creating a dynamic backcourt duo. Bamba, a transfer with postseason experience, brought leadership and grit. His consistency—both as a scorer (10.5 PPG) and a playmaker—helped Oregon avoid stagnation in key stretches.
Meanwhile, point guard Keeshawn Barthelemy added poise and a dependable outside shot. His 20-point performance in the March 1 win over USC and steady assist numbers gave the offense needed balance. Oregon’s backcourt depth became a hidden strength, particularly as the postseason loomed.
Postseason Grit: A Win and a Hard-Fought Exit
When March arrived, Oregon wasn’t just another team filling a bracket spot—they were dangerous. Riding a late-season surge and showing signs of chemistry clicking at the right time, the Ducks looked like a team no one wanted to face. Their East Region first-round matchup against Liberty turned into a statement. They held Liberty to just 52 points while Bittle (10 rebounds), Bamba (4 assists), and Shelstad (17 points) led a composed, confident effort.
They entered that game as slight favorites, but those paying attention—analysts, fans, and even those betting on the Oregon Ducks—understood the matchup favored their style. Oregon’s balance and defensive pressure overwhelmed Liberty, reinforcing why they had become a trendy pick in bracket pools and sportsbooks.
Their season ended two days later against Arizona, but not without a fight. The Ducks pushed the 4-seed to the brink, falling 87–83 in a game where Shelstad dropped 25 points and Bittle grabbed 11 boards. It was the kind of performance that validated all the late-season buzz. Oregon didn’t just belong—they competed like a top-tier program.
Beyond the Numbers: What This Season Meant
Yes, Oregon finished 7th in the Big Ten and fell short of the Sweet 16. But this team exceeded expectations in all the right ways. Their offensive numbers were solid—76.5 points per game—and they averaged 14.3 assists while keeping turnovers in check. Defensively, they allowed 70.9 points per game and won more than a few games by digging in and forcing tough shots.
What’s more important than rankings or stats, though, was the growth across the board. Bittle turned into a force. Shelstad became a star. Bamba provided glue and leadership. Role players like Angel and Tracey stepped up when needed. Everyone bought in. That’s what turned this team from promising to memorable.
Their 25–10 record isn’t just a number. It reflects a team that navigated a tough conference, survived midseason adversity, and battled deep into March. In their first year in the Big Ten, the Ducks didn’t just hold their own—they made a statement.
Looking back, this wasn’t just a solid season but a turning point. The 2024–25 Oregon Ducks laid a foundation built on effort, resilience, and identity. They didn’t just arrive in the Big Ten. They competed. And they showed that their future, like this season, is full of promise.
