Oregon’s men’s basketball roster keeps shifting, but Wednesday brought a familiar name back into the mix.
The Ducks added junior guard Wei Lin back to the roster for the 2026-27 season, according to the team website, giving Oregon a second returning player from last season alongside forward Sean Stewart. It’s a notable turn for a program that lost nine players to the transfer portal after finishing 12-20 last season, then went into the portal itself and brought eight players to Eugene.
Lin’s path back is an unusual one. He arrived at Oregon last year after three seasons with the Nanjing Monkey Kings in China, entered the transfer portal after the season and drew interest from programs including North Carolina, but ultimately never landed elsewhere.
“Everything changes," Altman said on Thursday. "We’ve never had somebody enter the portal and then come back.
It’s kind of like you ask somebody for a divorce, and the divorce is in place. But that doesn’t mean I don’t stay in contact with the guys."
Lin’s first season in Eugene had its ups and downs, but the circumstances were hardly simple. He appeared in 30 games and made nine starts while adjusting to a different style of play and taking on a bigger role after Jackson Shelstad’s injury sidelined him for most of the season.
His numbers reflected that learning curve. Lin averaged 6.6 points, 1.7 assists and 0.9 rebounds in 17.6 minutes per game, while shooting 34.4 percent from the field, 29.5 percent from 3-point range and 82.4 percent from the free throw line. He found a rhythm during Big Ten play, including a season-best 23 points and five assists in an overtime loss to Rutgers in January, when he hit six 3-pointers.
The portal didn’t produce the kind of landing spot Lin was looking for, but the relationship with Altman never fully broke. That left Oregon with a chance to bring him back.
"He wanted to come back, and the coaching staff felt like it was worth bringing him back," Altman said. "I just had to remind him, ‘If you’re in, you’re in.’”
Now Lin gives Oregon another experienced guard option as Altman pieces together a new rotation. Kentucky transfer Jasper Johnson, Boston College transfer Fred Payne and San Francisco transfer Tyrone Riley IV are all expected to matter in the backcourt, so Lin will have to carve out his place again. The Ducks also intended to add transfer forward Malique Ewin, though he is currently battling for his eligibility.
Oregon still has time to sort out the pieces. Altman and the Ducks took part in exhibition games this summer, which gave the staff a better sense of how the group can function together, and the season schedule should be released soon. For Lin, it means another chance to keep building in Eugene.
In Other News...
Dante Moore Suddenly Has Oregon Fans Worried About A Bigger Problem
Dante Moore came into the season carrying plenty of attention after choosing to return to Oregon rather than head to the NFL Draft, and his opener at least offered some early reassurance. But the first half against Oklahoma State was a different kind of test, the sort that can quickly shift the conversation around a quarterback expected to steady the Ducks in a big spot. NFL scouts were on hand to watch him closely, and the performance did not help quiet the scrutiny.
Moore completed just 5 of 15 passes for 45 yards and took two sacks before halftime, missing several key throws and never quite finding the kind of rhythm Oregon needed. The Ducks also had bigger issues than just the passing game, with the defense struggling to contain Oklahoma State as Oregon went to the break down 10 points. For a team that entered the night with postseason ambitions and a quarterback under the microscope, the first-half concern was less about one bad stretch than the possibility of a larger problem unfolding. [Read more 🡒]
Oregon Suddenly Has Injury Concerns In The Spots It Can Least Afford
Dan Lannings postgame injury update came with a little more concern than Oregon would like this early in the season, especially after a loss that already leaves plenty for the Ducks to sort through. Tight end Jamari Johnson, who was hurt in the previous game and missed practice this week, does not appear headed for a long-term absence, but the deeper issue is the line of players who were forced out against Oklahoma State and the roles they occupy.
Offensive lineman Douglas Utu and his replacement Trent Ferguson both left the game with injuries, which is the kind of development Oregon can least afford along the front. Running back Jordon Davisons status is still unclear, and while defensive tackle A'Mauri Washington was able to return for situational snaps after briefly exiting, the Ducks are suddenly waiting on several key answers at once as they try to rebound from the setback. [Read more 🡒]
Oregon Has A Bigger Problem Than The Halftime Score Against Oklahoma State
At halftime against Oklahoma State, Oregon was still hanging around on the scoreboard, but the first 30 minutes told a far less comforting story. The Ducks trailed 24-17, and the bigger issue was how thoroughly they were being controlled on both sides of the ball, with Oklahoma State piling up yardage while Oregon leaned on a couple of deflected passes to stay within striking distance.
Dante Moore has not been able to settle the offense, completing 5 of 15 passes for 45 yards without a touchdown, and the passing game has been hampered by drops as much as accuracy. The ground attack has not offered much relief either, leaving Oregon with a lot to clean up if it wants to avoid letting a shaky half turn into something much worse. [Read more 🡒]