Overview:
As Dana Altman embarks on his 16th season with the Oregon Ducks at the age of 67, he expresses his enthusiasm and joy for coaching. The primary focus isn’t on his retirement, but rather on how far his team can advance this March.
Welcome to the launch of Lookout Eugene-Springfield’s coverage of the University of Oregon basketball. Today, we will preview the Oregon men’s team, which is coming off back-to-back NCAA Tournament appearances and boasts a talented core ready to aim for a deeper run.
Coaching Details:
Head coach: Dana Altman, 16th season (370-162 record at Oregon)
Previous season record: 25-10, 12-8 in Big Ten
Postseason performance: Eliminated by No. 4-seed Arizona in the NCAA Tournament Round of 32
Player Changes:
Departures: TJ Bamba, Keeshawn Barthelemy, Ra’Heim Moss, Jadrian Tracy, Supreme Cook, Brandon Angel, Mookie Cook.
Incoming Players:
- Takai Simpkins: 6-5, 190, senior, guard – 16.4 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game at Elon
- Sean Stewart: 6-9, 225, junior, forward – 5.7 points and 5.8 rebounds per game at Ohio State
- Devon Pryor: 6-7, 190, junior, forward – 3.2 points and 2.0 rebounds per game at Texas
- Efe Vatan: 6-10, 230, redshirt freshman, forward – 16.7 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game at Galatasaray Ekmas Istanbul
- Ege Demir: 6-11, 275, junior, center – 5.0 points and 4.9 rebounds per game at Darüssafaka Lassa
- Wei Linn: 6-4, 190, sophomore, guard – 21.0 points, 5.0 assists, and 3.3 rebounds per game at Nanjing Monkey Kings
- JJ Frakes: 6-5, 185, freshman, guard – Three-star recruit from Berrien Springs, Michigan
Season Insights:
Two realities exist for Dana Altman: He acknowledges his age and is likely in his prime. At 67 and entering his 16th season coaching the Ducks, many of his contemporaries have retired. Coaches such as Mike Krzyzewski and Roy Williams stepped away from their positions recently. Altman holds more career wins (780) than several notable coaches, showcasing his enduring success.
Questions about his retirement arise annually, especially as younger coaches now dominate the field, like Florida’s Todd Golden, 40. Despite previous seasons where the Ducks did not make it to the NCAA Tournament, he remains committed: “I want to coach as long as I’m healthy and Oregon wants me,” he stated.
Looking Ahead:
This past season, the Ducks finished with a strong 25-10 record and made a second consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance. Altman expressed hope for his returning players to work hard during the offseason. Key players returning include junior guard Jackson Shelstad and senior center Nate Bittle, a strong duo that has been influential in past games.
Using both the transfer portal and international recruitment, Altman has welcomed several new players in hopes of restoring the team’s competitive edge. While overcoming challenges like injuries and departures, he’s optimistic about the upcoming season: “I love coaching. I love going to the gym,” he concluded. “Games are torture, but practice is a lot of fun.”
