Nathan Bittle’s Loyalty Shines as Oregon’s Homegrown Star

Despite player transfers becoming the norm in college basketball today, Oregon forward Nathan Bittle stands out as a refreshing example of loyalty and commitment.

While other athletes are looking for opportunities elsewhere, Bittle has stayed put in Eugene, a place that has always felt like home. The five-year student, whose degree has already been conferred, was born just two hours south of the University of Oregon campus. For Bittle, wearing the green and yellow wasn’t just a job move — it was the fulfillment of a long-held dream.

“My whole support system, family, friends, grandparents, everybody’s right there for me,” Bittle shared in an exclusive interview with Ratings. Org. “And they all come to games and everything like that. I dreamed of being an Oregon Duck when I was a kid.”

A Homegrown Star

Bittle is recognized as a special person among Oregon natives. The five-star recruit who was named one of the nation’s top prospects by 247Sports and ESPN is still the highest-rated player from Oregon to ever come to the program.

He was named to the McDonald’s All-American Game, Jordan Brand Classic, and Nike Hoop Summit during his high school career, all of which were prestigious honors that placed him among the top of his class. Bittle stayed in the Pacific Northwest and committed to the university he had grown up cheering for, rather than leaving for a blue-blood powerhouse. The decision has now become a fundamental part of his identity, both as a player and as a person.

The Power of Philanthropy and NIL

Phil Knight, the Nike co-founder and Oregon alumnus who has a philanthropic reach that extends beyond sports, has been an essential contributor to Oregon’s athletic success and recruiting strength. Forbes has estimated Knight’s net worth at $32.8 billion, and he has given away billions to education and research in Oregon.

A Season of Promise

Bittle’s journey is a source of anticipation and pride as the Ducks prepare to open their season on November 4th at Matthew Knight Arena. The story he tells, which is about perseverance, loyalty, and deep local roots, reflects the core values of the Oregon program: family, resilience, and community.

On opening night, when the lights shine bright and the crowd roars inside the arena named the Knight, Bittle will once again speak up for the school he’s always loved. Oregon basketball has long been known for its ‘Just Do It’ approach, as expressed by the famous Nike slogan.