The Oregon Ducks men’s basketball program has had a bevy of success under head coach Dana Altman, as he’s led the team to 20 or more wins in each of his 15 seasons at the helm. While it hasn’t resulted in a national championship yet, his teams have made several deep runs in the NCAA Tournament.
His coaches chops are unquestioned; but his recruiting acumen is also tremendous. A number of star players have passed through Eugene on their way to the NBA, with five still in the league today.
Payton Pritchard is the headliner, as he started for the majority of four seasons for the Ducks and has been a productive role player for the Boston Celtics since behind drafted 26th overall in the first round in 2020. Dillon Brooks also had a tremendous stint at Oregon, as he was the catalyst of a loaded squad (that also featured Pritchard during true freshman season) that reached the 2017 Final Four and has been a solid contributor in the league.
Chris Boucher, a key piece of that 2017 team, now resides with Pritchard on the Celtics.
More recently, big men N’Faly Dante and Kel’el Ware spent time in Eugene before entering the NBA and will each be starting their second seasons in the pros.
With the 2025-26 NBA season kicking off this week, let’s take a look at all five former Ducks in the league today and break down what their potential role will be with their respective teams.
PG Payton Pritchard, Boston Celtics
College Stats: 13.5 points, 4.6 assists, 3.8 rebounds, 1.5 steals, 43.7% FG, 37.9% 3-point FG
2024-25 Season Stats: 14.3 points, 3.5 assists, 3.8 rebounds, 0.9 steals, 47.2% FG, 40.7% 3-point FG
Analysis: With the Boston Celtics having to clear much of their roster due to salary cap reasons, Payton Pritchard has a golden opportunity to potentially step in to a much bigger role than in years prior. He won the 6th Man of the Year last season, but is in the running to start alongside Derrick White in the backcourt and have a more featured role on a game-by-game basis.
SF Dillon Brooks, Phoenix Suns
College Stats: 14.8 points, 2.6 assists, 4.6 rebounds, 0.9 steals, 47.2% FG, 36.2% 3-point FG
2024-25 Season Stats: 14.0 points, 1.7 assists, 3.7 rebounds, 0.8 steals, 42.9% FG, 39.7% 3-point FG
Analysis: Sent to Phoenix as part of the Kevin Durant trade that landed him in Houston, Dillon Brooks will once again serve in an enforcing role for the Suns — something he wholeheartedly embraces. Brooks is also a solid scorer on the wing and should have plenty of opportunities to create for himself as Phoenix is lacking offensive creators outside of guards Devin Booker and Jalen Green.
PF Chris Boucher, Boston Celtics
College Stats: 12.0 points, 6.8 rebounds, 2.7 blocks, 53.2% FG, 34.4% 3-point FG
2024-25 Season Stats: 10.0 points, 4.5 rebounds, 0.5 blocks, 49.2% FG, 36.3% 3-point FG
Analysis: Chris Boucher’s seven-year tenure with the Toronto Raptors ended this summer, as he entered free agency and reached a deal with the Boston Celtics. He’s expected to provide scoring and spacing off the bench, a role he filled in Toronto. The Celtics’ center depth is thin, making Boucher an underrated and important figure as Boston potentially navigates an entire season without forward Jayson Tatum, who tore his Achilles during the 2025 playoffs.
C N’Faly Dante, Atlanta Hawks
College Stats: 11.3 points, 7.1 rebounds, 1.3 blocks, 1.1 steals, 65.4% FG
2024-25 Season Stats: 6.0 points, 5.3 rebounds, 1.3 blocks, 76.9% FG
Analysis: Entering the summer as a restricted free agent with the Houston Rockets, the Atlanta Hawks signed N’Faly Dante and the Rockets failed to match the deal. He’s on a two-way deal with the Hawks, meaning he’ll swing between the actual roster and their G League affiliate, the College Park Skyhawks. Dante played sparingly for the Rockets, spending most of his time in the G League a season ago. Atlanta has several big men ahead of him on the depth chart, making it likely that he spends a majority of this season in the G League as well.
C Kel’el Ware, Miami Heat
College Stats: 10.9 points, 6.7 rebounds, 1.6 blocks, 53.8% FG, 33.7 3-point FG
2024-25 Season Stats: 9.3 points, 7.4 rebounds, 1.1 blocks, 55.4% FG, 31.5% 3-point FG
Analysis: Kel’el Ware emerged as a key piece for the Miami Heat down the stretch of last season, finishing with 36 games started alongside fellow big man Bam Adebayo. Possessing loads of talent that made him the 15th pick in 2024, Miami head coach Erik Spoelstra has referenced Ware’s need to improve his professionalism as he begins his second season. It’s unknown whether he’ll start to kick off the 2025-26 season, but the former Duck (2022-23) and Indiana Hoosier (2023-24) is sure to have a steady role with the Heat in Year 2.
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