The Oregon Ducks are set to undergo a significant transition in their basketball journey as they prepare to join the Big Ten Conference for the 2024-25 College Basketball season. This move marks a departure from the Pacific-12 Conference (Pac-12), where the Ducks have held a prominent position since the conference’s founding in 1915. Both the Pac-12 and the Big Ten have earned esteemed reputations for their extensive history and contributions to college basketball. Notably, Oregon made history by clinching the first-ever NCAA Tournament in 1939, defeating the Ohio State Buckeyes from the Big Ten with a score of 46-33.
Amid this momentous shift, it is worth noting the annual meeting between Oregon and Ohio State, which promises to establish a new legacy between the two teams. Furthermore, the Ducks anticipate engaging in other significant match-ups as they transition into the Big Ten Conference. Let us examine what the Big Ten can anticipate from the inclusion of Oregon in the conference.
Coach Dana Altman’s perspective on the transition was articulated in an interview with Zachary Neel from DucksWire, where he conveyed a range of emotions. Although expressing a sense of nostalgia for the Pac-12, he also expressed optimism and enthusiasm regarding the shift to the Big Ten, acknowledging it as a compelling opportunity and a new challenge. Coach Altman’s willingness to embrace this change underscores the Ducks’ commitment to making their mark in their new conference.
The Big Ten Conference has a distinguished track record of producing top-tier teams that excel in the NCAA Tournament, with numerous teams reaching the final four. Oregon also boasts a prominent basketball history, having secured a final four appearance in 2017 and making several other NCAA Tournament trips. With a strong core of returning players for the upcoming season, Oregon is positioned to make a significant impact within the Big Ten Conference.
In preparation for their upcoming transition, the Ducks possess standout players such as Jackson Shelstad, whose impressive performance last season demonstrated his potential. Shelstad’s pivotal role in the team’s victories, such as their triumph over the Michigan Wolverines, underscores his capacity to lead the Ducks in the competitive landscape of the Big Ten. Additionally, with the departure of top contributor Jermaine Couisnard, the emergence of players like Shelstad will be crucial for the team.
While the Ducks will bid farewell to their existing rivalries in the Pac-12, they are poised to cultivate new rivalries within the Big Ten. Notable match-ups with teams like Michigan, USC, and UCLA present promising opportunities for the Ducks to establish formidable rivalries within the conference. Exciting road trips await as the Ducks prepare to face top contenders like Michigan State and Michigan.
Undoubtedly, the upcoming season poses significant challenges for Oregon in the Big Ten. However, with the return of key players such as Shelstad and Kwame Evans, alongside new additions like Ra’Heim Moss and TJ Bamba, the Ducks are well-positioned to make a meaningful impact in their debut season in the Big Ten. As the season unfolds, Oregon’s performance in the conference will undoubtedly captivate attention, especially if they attain a notable standing in the Big Ten rankings.
As the Oregon Ducks embark on this new chapter in their basketball journey, their inclusion in the Big Ten Conference is poised to bring an exciting dimension to the league. The evolving dynamics of the conference are certain to offer compelling storylines and intense matchups, making the upcoming season one to watch.