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MBB: Let The Retooling Begin
TL;DR
Oregon's basketball team faced significant challenges after a disappointing season, exacerbated by substantial NIL budget cuts that left some players ineligible to earn. The situation has prompted a retooling phase for the program.
San Diego, CA - November 9, 2025: San Diego State's Pharaoh Compton dunks against Idaho Stateat Viejas Arena on November 9, 2025 in San Diego, California. (Photo by K.C. Alfred / The San Diego Union-Tribune via Getty Images)
Itās been a little over a month now since the worst season by a mile during Dana Altmanās Oregon tenure wrapped up.
It was discovered that the university had made sizable NIL cuts to its Basketball budget, with some players not even being eligible to earn anything.
That doesnāt work this day in age, and the team was gutted.
But, considering how terrible they were in 2026, that may not be a bad thing.
Besides, after a 12 win season, they can only go up, right?
First things first, the infamous portal.
Oregon brought in some experience with three year Boise State forward Andrew Meadow, who will be entering his Senior season. Meadow was a productive offensive player, averaging 12 points a contest while shooting 51 percent from the floor and 39 percent from downtown.
They also added Pharoah Compton to the frontcourt. Compton, from San Diego State, only averaged 14 minutes a game last season, but scored 7.5 points per those minutes.
A forward with athleticism similar to former Oregon defensive specialist Kenny Wooten. Compton is somewhat of an open book.
Finally, Tyrone Riley, a combo Forward/Guard from San Francisco, provides Oregon with more steady shooting and scoring. Riley averaged 12 points and shot 37 percent from deep.
Thatās plenty of Forward depth, but Oregon still needs a floor general.
On Tuesday, they hosted Point Guard Preston Edmead, who is fresh off leading his Hofstra Pride squad into the Big Dance.
Edmead averaged 16 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists last season, shooting 39 percent from three and 88 percent on free throws.
Fingers crossed.
Recruiting-wise the Ducks have hung onto blue chipper Tahj Ariza, who at almost 6ā10ā now with handles and jumpshooting could be an instant impact for Oregon. Three-Star Forward/Guard combo Seven Spurlock may well see the floor next season as well.
Kendre Harrison, the freak athlete Football recruit, is also wanting to play hoops at Oregon, which is a great thing since he averaged 19 points, 14 rebounds, and 4 blocks a game on the hardwood.
With Sean Stewart being the lone returning impact player, the Ducks are beyond loaded at the forward positions. Guards and a true Center should be the primary focus moving ahead.
What Oregonās done so far isnāt exactly earth-shattering, but itās not nothing either.
The big question is can Altman still work his magic? He may well only have this coming season to prove itā¦
Q&A
What were the NIL budget cuts for Oregon's basketball team?
Oregon's basketball program experienced sizable NIL budget cuts that affected player eligibility, leading to a challenging season.
How did the NIL cuts impact Oregon's basketball season?
The NIL cuts contributed to the worst season in Dana Altman's tenure, resulting in a gutted team and necessitating a retooling effort.
Who is Dana Altman and what is his role in Oregon basketball?
Dana Altman is the head coach of Oregon's basketball team, and he has been at the helm during the recent struggles and retooling of the program.
