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Former Oregon Ducks men’s basketball center N’Faly Dante has signed a two-year, $4.5 million deal with the Atlanta Hawks, per USA Today’s Michael Scotto.
Dante spent his rookie season on a two-way deal with the Houston Rockets, primarily competing for the Rio Grand Valley Vipers in the G League. He averaged 15.1 points, 9.8 rebounds, 2.2 blocks and 1.0 steals per game on 74.3% shooting from the field with the Vipers. He also appeared in four games for the Rockets, averaging 6.0 points, 5.3 rebounds and 1.3 blocks per game in limited minutes.
Prior to beginning his pro career, Dante was a five-star recruit out of Wichita, KS when he committed to Oregon. He went on to spend five seasons with the Ducks, becoming a consistent contributor in his junior season.
Dante broke out during his senior campaign, scoring 17.0 points, grabbing 9.2 rebounds and blocking 1.9 shots per game. He finished his five-year Oregon career as a two-time first-team All-Pac-12 member and a Pac-12 All-Defensive Team selection in 2024. He was also named the Pac-12 Tournament Most Outstanding Player in 2024, helping lead the Ducks to the final Pac-12 tournament title.
Now on a standard contract with the Hawks, Dante will provide depth behind presumed starting center Kristaps Porzingis and reserve big man Onyeka Okongwu. Rookie Asa Newell and third-year man Mouhamed Gueye will also be competing for minutes down low.
For Dante, it’s a step in the right direction as he attempts to carve out a long NBA career after a successful college stint with the Ducks.
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