Although Oregon Ducks center Nate Bittle was assumed to return to the program for the 2025-26 season, the 7-footer from Central Point, Ore. wanted to test out the NBA draft waters.
On Friday, he received some news on that front.
Bittle did not receive an invitation to the NBA Combine later this month, which could diminish his chances of being drafted in June. This might be disappointing news for Bittle, but it’s potentially good news for the Ducks, who will have one of the best centers in the country next season if he chooses to return for one more year in Eugene.
Bittle asked for and got an extra year of eligibility for the time he spent most of the 2023-24 season injured and sick. In this past season, he stayed healthy and as a result, had a career year for the Ducks, averaging 14 points and nearly eight rebounds a game. Bittle also shot 51 percent from the field and almost 34 percent from the three-point line.
Overall, not going to the combine and not being drafted this year could very well be a blessing in disguise for Bittle. Assuming his stats stay on an upward trajectory, he should be a first-round draft pick next June and be a contributor for an NBA team somewhere.
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