Is Nate Bittle the Best Ducks Center of All Time?

[Signoramous]

Is Nate Bittle the best center ever for the Ducks?

 

Who is the best center ever to play for the Ducks? Like Bittle, N’Faly Dante didn’t get much of a chance to put up stats prior to his senior year. With one big year each, both need to be considered in the mix in my mind.

 

Last year, watching N’faly Dante play at the end of the season, the way he had to face a different talented giant night after night, the way he fought and pushed and shoved underneath to hold the position, and the way he succeeded -- scoring an average of 16.8 points per game and 8.8 rebounds in his last dozen games for the Ducks, I had to wonder at the time if he was the best center the Ducks have ever had. It’s too bad he wasn’t able to return to the team for another season; I still don’t understand why that request was refused. He played so well I expected him to make more of an impression in the NBA immediately than he has.

 

Now this year, here is what Bittle is doing in his past dozen games -- Going into MSU he's averging: 15.8 points per game, 7.3 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 2.6 rebounds. Bittle also shoots well from 3-point range and from the foul line. He doesn’t seem to push or get pushed as much as Dante did; he has a savvier game, better footwork, more experience. To my surprise, I am coming to see Bittle as a better all-around center then Dante.

 

UO doesn't seem to have had a great many stars at the Center position. A quick search lists Slim Wintermute, Blair Rasmussen, Greg Ballard, Jordan Bell, and Chris Boucher. I have seen them all except Wintermute I don't think either Ballard, Bell or Boucher was a true center, and I don't know if Rasmussen was as good as either. They were all great players but I think that the choice for best center ever actually comes down to last year’s Dante and this year’s Bittle with my choice being Nate Bittle.

 

Kind of a surprising conclusion, but let’s enjoy his great play. Who knows, he might even be back next season.

[DUCKED]

On 3/14/2025 at 10:18 AM, Signoramous said:

Is Nick Bittle the best center ever for the Ducks?

 

Who is the best center ever to play for the Ducks? Like Bittle, N’Faly Dante didn’t get much of a chance to put up stats prior to his senior year. With one big year each, both need to be considered in the mix in my mind.

 

Last year, watching N’faly Dante play at the end of the season, the way he had to face a different talented giant night after night, the way he fought and pushed and shoved underneath to hold the position, and the way he succeeded -- scoring an average of 16.8 points per game and 8.8 rebounds in his last dozen games for the Ducks, I had to wonder at the time if he was the best center the Ducks have ever had. It’s too bad he wasn’t able to return to the team for another season; I still don’t understand why that request was refused. He played so well I expected him to make more of an impression in the NBA immediately than he has.

 

Now this year, here is what Bittle is doing in his past dozen games -- Going into MSU he's averging: 15.8 points per game, 7.3 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 2.6 rebounds. Bittle also shoots well from 3-point range and from the foul line. He doesn’t seem to push or get pushed as much as Dante did; he has a savvier game, better footwork, more experience. To my surprise, I am coming to see Bittle as a better all-around center then Dante.

 

UO doesn't seem to have had a great many stars at the Center position. A quick search lists Slim Wintermute, Blair Rasmussen, Greg Ballard, Jordan Bell, and Chris Boucher. I have seen them all except Wintermute I dont think either Ballard, Bell or Boucher was a true center, and I don't know if Rasmussen was as good as either. They were all great players but I think that the choice for best center ever actually comes down to last year’s Dante and this year’s Bittle with my choice being Nick Bittle.

 

Kind of a surprising conclusion, but let’s enjoy his great play. Who knows, he might even be back next season.

I’d opt for Blair Rasmussen, All-Pac three times, 10 year NBA career, excellent outside shooter…..

[JabbaNoBargain]

I’d also say Blair. He was All-Pac 3 times with a questionable roster and coach.

Edited March 14 by JabbaNoBargain

[30Duck]

Yeah, Ballard was a power forward, the center was Gerald Willet. I have to go with Blair, Stan Love also needs consideration. 

[30Duck]

On 3/14/2025 at 10:18 AM, Signoramous said:

Who knows, he might even be back next season. 

I hope he is back. This is his first injury-free season. He made 3rd team. All-Defense. I think another year he could do at least that well again, maybe better.

[JabbaNoBargain]

On 3/14/2025 at 1:14 PM, 30Duck said:

I hope he is back. This is his first injury-free season. He made 3rd team. All-Defense. I think another year he could do at least that well again, maybe better.

 

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Given NIL versus his prospects as a pro, I’d be surprised if he didn’t come back

[spartan2785]

He isn't even the best center from the past two years I think personally, I think Dante was better.  He was truly dominant last year.  Just look how he played against Kalkbrenner from Creighton.  

 

I love Bittle this season, but I'll take Dante between the two.

[30Duck]

On 3/14/2025 at 2:49 PM, spartan2785 said:

I think Dante was better.  He was truly dominant last year.  Just look how he played against Kalkbrenner from Creighton.  

Dante was great, when he played. If he'd been able to play this season, who knows how good he, and the team could have been. 

[Signoramous]

I am sure that I have underestimated Blair Rasmussen. I was on the East Coast during his era watching Big East basketball and wasn't too excited about post-Dick Harter UO Basketball. I hope that Bittle can surpass him with another year at UO. As for whether Bittle or Dante is better, I'm leaning to toward Bittle. Dante was more spectacular; Bittle is more well-rounded. 

[Drake]

Blair Rasmussen helped Jim Haney keep his head coaching job at Oregon for at least a year or two longer than he deserved. Blair was a solid player. Had a nice outside shot.

[DUCKED]

On 3/14/2025 at 4:31 PM, Signoramous said:

I am sure that I have underestimated Blair Rasmussen. I was on the East Coast during his era watching Big East basketball and wasn't too excited about post-Dick Harter UO Basketball. I hope that Bittle can surpass him with another year at UO. As for whether Bittle or Dante is better, I'm leaning to toward Bittle. Dante was more spectacular; Bittle is more well-rounded. 

Those 2 guys were about as different as players as you’ll ever find. Bittle has a nice outside shot and a soft touch around the rim. Defense is just average. 
 

Dante was a menace on defense, a real intimidator, an excellent rebounder and could run the floor and finish with flair. But he was never an offensive threat unless he was within 10 feet of the basket. 
 

Both nice players….just different.

[Triphibius]

Judging by team goals, Slim Wintermute. 

[Dave23]

I miss Jordan Bell loved his energy and how he could get up and swat just about anything. Great defense mediocre at best on offense but he could really throw it down.

 

Always thought of Bittle as more of a stretch 4 then a true old school center but I guess that's the way the game is going. If Bittle had a little more  heft and could throw his weight around down low he would definitely be the best center ever.

 

Sense I've been watching Oregon, Dante would be the clear winner as a true center. The guy that can hold down the middle and everyone feared going to the basket when he was there. He didn't need to go around anyone he just went through them. to me that's what I'm looking for in center.