A big man who can shoot from deep is something every basketball team dreams of having, and that is exactly what the Ducks have in fifth-year senior Nate Bittle. Hailing from Central Point, Ore., Bittle made his debut at Matthew Knight Arena in 2021 and has had a towering presence on the court ever since. Whether it’s defending in the paint and at the rim, rebounding off the glass, or shooting it from deep, Bittle has proven he can step up in any situation.

Bittle’s overall numbers have grown each season he has played. As a freshman, he had just 15 field goals. The next season, Bittle took a tremendous step forward, scoring 72 field goals with 21 three-pointers. Bittle missed the majority of the following year due to injury, but when he returned, he played like he had never left. Bittle finished last season with 185 field goals, 36 three-pointers, 265 rebounds, 67 assists, 75 blocks and 27 steals. His best performance was in the regular season finale against Washington. He shot 13 for 20, 3 for 4 from three and grabbed 12 rebounds, where Oregon won 80-73 in overtime.

“Ultimately, it’s what I’ve gotta do to help the team win,” Bittle said. “I know there’s gonna be games where I don’t got it going and other guys are gonna have it going and being able to make plays for them.”

Bittle’s success on the court is driven by his selflessness and team mentality. His primary focus is always what he can do to create success for his teammates and contribute to a team win.

Another strong performance from him came in Oregon’s mid-February road trip to Iowa where it edged out an 80-78 victory. Bittle was always finding his way into the paint for offensive rebounds and put backs, defensive stops on the glass, and several easy field goals. If the defense was denying him access to the paint, he was able to find an open teammate or use his height to shoot a three over his defender. Standing at 7 feet, the team will always need him to take advantage of his size, especially on defense near the basket.

“(I’m) always being a defensive presence in the paint,” Bittle said. “Whether it’s guys driving, attacking and trying to get to the rim or bigs trying to get to work in the post, I know there’s always something for me to do in the game.”

Oregon’s season has just tipped off and the Ducks are looking to make another run for March Madness with the hopes of finally getting past the Round of 32. Bittle will look to stand even taller than before to boost his team and make a name for himself in the NBA Draft.

“Whether it’s in the paint or blocking a shot, I think we just get set up in those right moments, right position, right time to go make those plays. The hours we put in, the work we put in translates and we’re able to make those plays,” Bittle said.