The frontcourt for the 2023-24 Oregon Ducks is about as unsettled as it could possibly get.
Nate Bittle plans to return after averaging 7.3 points and 5.1 rebounds in 18 minutes per game last year, but until either N’Faly Dante or Kel’el Ware announce their plans for next season this team will need to explore the transfer portal to make an addition to the frontcourt.
Dante is coming off a career year and could parlay that into a professional career, either in the NBA or overseas if that doesn’t pan out, while Ware’s first season in Eugene went extremely poorly and it seems unlikely he’ll choose to return, either trying his hand at the NBA or entering the transfer portal.
Assuming one (or both) of those players depart, the Ducks will turn to the transfer portal to find a post player who can compliment the trio of newcomers in KJ Evans, Mookie Cook, and Jackson Shelstad.
The portal is far from set, with 1500 or so players expected to enter when all is said and done, but here is a first look at five big men the Ducks could bring to Eugene for next season:
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Ike missed the entire 2022-23 season with a foot injury, choosing to enter the portal after the season.
Ike was excellent for the Cowboys the year prior, averaging 19.5 points and 9.6 rebounds. He’s not an elite finisher around the rim and doesn’t bring much of an outside shot, but his rebounding ability would be a big bonus if this team loses Dante this offseason.
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Aimaq entered the portal last offseason coming off an outstanding season with Utah Valley. He was among the most sought after players in the portal, and ended up choosing Texas Tech over other options like Washington, Gonzaga, and Iowa State.
His only year in Lubbock did not go well, as he suffered an injury before the season which ultimately held him out until mid-January.
He played fine once he was back, averaging 11.1 points and 7.9 rebounds in 11 games, but he was frustrated with how his injury was handled and quickly entered the portal once again.
Aimaq’s ability to stretch the floor, rebound against anyone, and protect the rim would make him a great addition for the Ducks – although he will have plenty of suitors despite the messy season at Tech.
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