Mar 23, 2025; Seattle, WA, USA; Oregon Ducks center Nate Bittle (32) attempts a 3-point shot against Arizona Wildcats forward Henri Veesaar (13) in the first half at Climate Pledge Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images Steven Bisig-Imagn Images

Oregon Ducks Star Center Nate Bittle Forgoes NBA, Returns For Fifth Season

Originally posted on Oregon Ducks on SI | By Cory Pappas | Last updated May 28, 2025 6:32 PM ET

The Oregon Ducks and coach Dana Altman received good news today about center Nate Bittle. It was announced by college basketball insider Jon Rothstein that Bittle would be withdrawing his name from the 2025 NBA Draft and return to school next season.

At the conclusion of this past season, Bittle announced via his Instagram that he would be testing NBA waters and declared for the 2025 NBA Draft while maintaining his college eligibility. Bittle also added in the message that if he were to come back to college, it would be at Oregon.

Nate Bittle Coming Back For Fifth Season With Oregon

Steven Bisig-Imagn Images

Nate Bittle returning is massive news for the Oregon. Bittle is coming off of his best season, leading the Ducks in points with 14.2 per game, rebounds with 7.6 per game, and blocks with 2.1 per game. This interior presence would have been dearly missed for the 2025-2026 Ducks.

Source: Oregon's Nate Bittle plans to withdraw from the 2025 NBA Draft and return to school next season.

Averaged 14.2 PPG and 7.6 RPG last year.
— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) May 28, 2025

Oregon will now be bringing back arguably their two best players in the front court from a season ago in Bittle and forward Kwame Evans.

Contrary to when the Ducks were heading into the 2024-2025 season, they will be returning their two leading scorers. N’Faly Dante and Jermaine Couisnard led the Ducks in scoring in 2023-2024 and were not on the team in 2024-2025.

The Ducks now not only are returning next season with leading scorer Nate Bittle, but also second-leading scorer, guard Jackson Shelstad (13.7 points per game).