Oregon Ducks Basketball Looks to Rebuild Roster Through Transfer Portal, Recruiting

Coach Dana Altman faces key offseason decisions to get Oregon back to the NCAA Tournament

Mar. 29, 2026 at 8:20pm by Ben Kaplan

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A cubist, geometric illustration depicting fragmented, overlapping shapes and planes in vibrant green, yellow, and blue hues, conceptually representing the complex process of rebuilding a college basketball roster.Oregon's roster overhaul through the transfer portal and recruiting will require a strategic, multifaceted approach to rebuild the team.Eugene Today

The Oregon Ducks basketball team is coming off one of its worst seasons in recent history, having lost several key players to the transfer portal. With holes to fill in the roster, Coach Dana Altman will need to be active in the transfer portal and high school recruiting to rebuild the team and return to the NCAA Tournament.

Why it matters

Oregon's struggles last season highlighted the need for roster improvements, as the Ducks failed to make the NCAA Tournament. Replenishing the talent pool through the transfer portal and high school recruiting will be crucial for Altman to get the program back on track and competing at a high level in the Pac-12 Conference.

The details

The Ducks have already lost three players to the transfer portal, including forward Kwame Evans Jr., who led the team in rebounds, guard Jackson Shelstad, and forward Dezdrick Lindsay. To counter these departures, Oregon will need to be active in the transfer portal, seeking experienced talent to fill the holes left by the exiting players. The Ducks have also secured two high school commitments, four-star center Kendre Harrison and four-star forward Tajh Ariza, but may need to land additional top recruits, such as five-star small forward Tyran Stokes, to truly bolster the roster.

  • The college basketball transfer portal will open just days after the conclusion of the national championship.
  • Oregon has already lost three players to the transfer portal, with the departures of Kwame Evans Jr., Jackson Shelstad, and Dezdrick Lindsay.

The players

Dana Altman

The head coach of the Oregon Ducks basketball team, who has a proven track record of success and will be tasked with rebuilding the roster through the transfer portal and recruiting.

Kwame Evans Jr.

A former Oregon forward who led the team in rebounds before entering the transfer portal.

Jackson Shelstad

A former Oregon guard who missed most of the season due to a major hand injury before entering the transfer portal.

Dezdrick Lindsay

A former Oregon forward who appeared in every game for the Ducks before entering the transfer portal.

Kendre Harrison

A four-star center who has committed to play basketball for Oregon, also a two-sport athlete playing tight end for the football team.

Tajh Ariza

A four-star forward who has committed to play basketball for Oregon and is expected to be a year-one starter.

Tyran Stokes

A five-star small forward who remains uncommitted, but has officially visited Oregon and is viewed as a future NBA player.

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What’s next

The Ducks will need to be active in the transfer portal in the coming weeks, seeking experienced talent to fill the holes left by the departing players. They will also need to continue their pursuit of top high school recruits, such as Tyran Stokes, to build a roster capable of returning to the NCAA Tournament.

The takeaway

Oregon's struggles last season highlighted the need for a roster overhaul, and Coach Dana Altman will be tasked with rebuilding the team through the transfer portal and high school recruiting. The Ducks' ability to land key additions in both areas will be crucial to their chances of returning to the NCAA Tournament and competing at a high level in the Pac-12.