**Boston Celtics Give Payton Pritchard New Nickname After Oregon Ducks’ NCAA Tournament Win**
When the NCAA Tournament rolls around, it’s an exciting time for college basketball fans, but it’s also a key moment for the future stars of the NBA. The eyes of scouts, coaches, and general managers from across the league are glued to the tournament as young talent tries to showcase their skills on the big stage. However, there’s a deeper connection between college basketball and the NBA, as players who have made their mark in the NCAA often return to support their alma maters during the tournament, and their professional teams are not far behind in recognizing their achievements.
For Payton Pritchard, the Boston Celtics point guard, March Madness holds a special significance. Not only was he a key contributor to the Oregon Ducks’ deep run in the 2020 NCAA Tournament, but his performance during his college years has been a source of pride for both him and the Celtics. With a recent win by the Ducks in the 2025 NCAA Tournament, Payton Pritchard found himself at the center of attention once again, but this time it wasn’t just for his past achievements. This time, his NBA teammates decided to show their support for him by giving him a new nickname—a gesture that highlights both his contributions to the Celtics and his ongoing connection to Oregon basketball.
**The Return to Glory for the Oregon Ducks**
Payton Pritchard’s college career at the University of Oregon was marked by a series of standout performances that solidified his place as one of the most accomplished point guards in the history of the program. From his leadership to his clutch shooting and playmaking ability, Pritchard became synonymous with Oregon basketball. In 2020, he led the Ducks to the Final Four, and despite the tournament being cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic, his impact on Oregon’s success couldn’t be understated.
Flash forward to 2025, and Oregon is once again making waves in college basketball, this time with a new crop of talented players. The Ducks’ NCAA Tournament victory was a monumental achievement not only for the team but also for the legacy of Payton Pritchard. The Ducks’ run to the championship was thrilling, culminating in a national title that fans across the country celebrated. Oregon’s success in 2025 was seen as a tribute to the program’s enduring culture of excellence, a culture that Pritchard had helped build during his time there.
Payton Pritchard had always maintained a close connection with his former team, often attending games and staying involved with the Ducks’ program. His legacy as one of the program’s all-time greats had earned him the admiration of his former coaches, teammates, and the Oregon faithful. But his relationship with the Ducks took on a new dimension after their NCAA Tournament win in 2025. As the team celebrated their victory, Pritchard, despite his commitments to the Boston Celtics, couldn’t help but feel a deep sense of pride for the team that had given him his start.
The championship victory brought the Ducks their first national title in decades, and the triumph was celebrated across the country. Pritchard was especially vocal in his praise for his alma mater, taking to social media to share his congratulations and support for the team. But his involvement didn’t stop there; it wasn’t just a moment of personal pride—it was an opportunity for Pritchard to connect his professional journey with the success of his former team.
**The Celtics’ Reaction: A New Nickname**
As the Oregon Ducks celebrated their NCAA Tournament victory, one thing was clear: Payton Pritchard had not only left a lasting impression on the Ducks’ basketball program, but his success in the NBA was also creating a ripple effect that would reach his teammates with the Boston Celtics. In the wake of Oregon’s win, the Celtics players quickly took notice, especially after hearing their teammate’s heartfelt comments about the Ducks’ victory.
It didn’t take long for the Celtics to get involved in the celebration. The team was quick to reach out to Pritchard and congratulate him for the Ducks’ success. The Celtics locker room was buzzing with excitement, with several players commenting on the impact of Pritchard’s presence both on and off the court. His leadership qualities, which had been on full display during his time at Oregon, were evident to his teammates in Boston as well.
As part of the fun and camaraderie that defines professional sports teams, the Celtics decided to honor Payton Pritchard’s Oregon roots in a special way: by giving him a new nickname that would capture both his contributions to the Celtics and his ties to the Ducks’ recent championship win. The nickname was born from a mixture of admiration and affection for Pritchard’s passion, work ethic, and ability to step up in big moments, much like he had done during Oregon’s run to the title.
The nickname, coined by Celtics’ teammate Marcus Smart, was “Duck Dynasty,” a playful reference to Pritchard’s Ducks legacy and his strong presence in Boston’s lineup. Smart, who had been a close friend of Pritchard’s since they teamed up on the Celtics, laughed when explaining the nickname’s origin. “Payton’s always been a big part of this team’s success,” Smart said, “and with the Ducks winning the title, it’s like he’s got a dynasty in his own right. So, we thought it was only fitting to give him a little love and call him ‘Duck Dynasty.’ It’s a term of endearment, and it’s all about respect for everything he’s done for both Oregon and the Celtics.”
Pritchard, for his part, was immediately amused by the nickname. Known for his lighthearted nature and easygoing demeanor, he embraced the new moniker with a smile. “I love it,” Pritchard said, laughing. “It’s a fun way for the guys to acknowledge everything I’ve been through, both at Oregon and here in Boston. I think it’s great to be able to represent both the Celtics and the Ducks, and I’m honored they gave me that name. Now, I guess I’ve got to live up to the dynasty part!”
The new nickname quickly caught on within the Celtics’ locker room, and soon it became a popular reference among the fans and media as well. For Pritchard, the nickname served as a reminder of his journey—from his formative years at Oregon to his growth as a key contributor for the Celtics. It was also a reflection of the camaraderie and respect that defines the Celtics’ team culture, where teammates support one another both on and off the court.
**Payton Pritchard: From Oregon to the NBA**
Payton Pritchard’s journey to the NBA has been a testament to his perseverance and talent. As a highly decorated player at Oregon, Pritchard became a household name in college basketball for his leadership, clutch performances, and all-around skill. He led Oregon to a Final Four appearance in 2020 and left the university as one of its all-time greats. After declaring for the NBA Draft, Pritchard was selected by the Boston Celtics in the first round, which marked the beginning of a new chapter in his career.
During his time with the Celtics, Pritchard has proven to be an invaluable asset to the team. Known for his ability to score, facilitate, and play tough defense, he quickly earned the trust of head coach Ime Udoka and his teammates. Over the past seasons, Pritchard has showcased his playmaking ability, especially in critical moments, and has become a fan favorite in Boston. His versatility, leadership, and experience have made him a key piece in the Celtics’ rotation, and he continues to grow as a player under the bright lights of the NBA.
But despite his success with the Celtics, Pritchard has never forgotten his roots. His time at Oregon played a pivotal role in shaping him as a player and person, and his connection to the Ducks remains strong. He often attends Oregon games, speaks with the team’s coaches and players, and offers guidance to current Ducks players. For Pritchard, being a part of Oregon’s basketball culture is not just about nostalgia—it’s about honoring the foundation that helped launch his career.
The Ducks’ NCAA Tournament win in 2025, which brought the program its first national title in years, was a proud moment for Pritchard, who had been instrumental in building the legacy of Oregon basketball. The championship win was a fitting tribute to the program’s ongoing success, and Pritchard’s new nickname, “Duck Dynasty,” became a fun way for his Celtics teammates to acknowledge his connection to the Ducks and his lasting influence on the team’s history.
**The Impact of the New Nickname**
The creation of the “Duck Dynasty” nickname represents more than just a playful gesture by the Celtics; it signifies the respect and admiration Pritchard has earned throughout his career. In many ways, the nickname serves as a bridge between two distinct parts of Pritchard’s life—the college years that helped shape him into the player he is today, and his professional career with the Boston Celtics. It encapsulates the spirit of both teams, and for Pritchard, it’s a reminder that his journey is far from over. With the Celtics, he has a chance to continue building his own dynasty, while at the same time honoring the legacy of the Ducks and their national championship win.
The new nickname also underscores the strong team culture within the Celtics, where respect and camaraderie are paramount. For Pritchard, the nickname is a sign that his contributions are appreciated not only by his coaches but also by his teammates, who have embraced him as one of their own. The nickname “Duck Dynasty” may be fun and lighthearted, but it’s also a symbol of Pritchard’s importance to the Celtics and his connection to the enduring success of Oregon basketball.
As Payton Pritchard continues to develop as a player and make his mark in the NBA, one thing is certain: the nickname “Duck Dynasty” will follow him wherever he goes. It’s a testament to his journey, his achievements, and the lasting impact he has made on both the Boston Celtics and the Oregon Ducks. Whether he’s leading the Celtics to playoff victories or celebrating a national championship with Oregon, Pritchard will always be a part of both teams’ legacies—and now, thanks to his new nickname, his story will be told with even more pride and joy.
