From Oregon Glory to Boston Brotherhood: Chris Boucher and Payton Pritchard Reunite Nearly a Decade After Lighting Up the Pac-12.
From flashing brilliance in Eugene as Oregon Ducks to now donning the iconic green and white of the Boston Celtics, the journey of Chris Boucher and Payton Pritchard has come full circle in a way that feels as much like fate as it does a reward for hard work. What started as a promising collegiate partnership in the Pac-12 has evolved into a reunion on one of the NBA’s most storied franchises. Nearly a decade after they first shared the hardwood, their bond, built on trust, shared vision, and unshakable chemistry, has found a new stage under the bright lights of the NBA.
Back in the 2015–16 NCAA season, the University of Oregon Ducks were quietly assembling something special. Chris Boucher, a wiry, athletic forward with a knack for swatting shots into the stands and running the floor like a guard, had just arrived via junior college. Pritchard, still a young prospect in Oregon’s pipeline, was already showing the signs of a floor general wise beyond his years. Together, they formed one of the most exciting duos in the Pac-12, blending Boucher’s defensive dominance and above-the-rim theatrics with Pritchard’s poise, passing, and court vision.
Boucher, who came to Oregon as an underdog with a remarkable personal story—having grown up in Montreal, dropped out of school, and taken the junior college route—was a shot-blocking machine. With a unique combination of timing, agility, and fearlessness, he disrupted opponents with ease. His impact on the defensive end made him a terror in the paint, and his developing outside shot hinted at the modern stretch-forward he was becoming.
On the other hand, Payton Pritchard—an Oregon native and high school legend in his own right—was just beginning to scratch the surface of what would become an illustrious college career. Despite his youth, he demonstrated a calmness that earned him trust from teammates and coaches alike. He made the game look simple with his smart decisions, sharp shooting, and unselfish playstyle. The connection between Boucher and Pritchard was clear even then: they understood each other’s games intuitively, often linking up for transition plays, pick-and-rolls, or perfectly timed lobs that ended in highlight-reel finishes.
Though they would only share one official season together due to Boucher’s limited eligibility and eventual knee injury during the 2016-17 season, the impression they left on Oregon basketball was lasting. They were part of the foundation that propelled the Ducks to national prominence and helped push the program to consistent NCAA Tournament appearances.
Now, in the 2025-26 NBA season, their paths have crossed again, not as hopeful collegiate stars but as seasoned professionals aiming for a championship. Chris Boucher, after carving out a productive NBA career with the Toronto Raptors and showcasing his value as a high-energy big who can shoot the three, rebound, and protect the rim, has signed with the Boston Celtics—a franchise that prides itself on tradition, defense, and winning.
Payton Pritchard, meanwhile, has steadily risen through the ranks in Boston. Drafted late in the first round in 2020, he worked his way into the Celtics rotation through sheer grit, hustle, and basketball IQ. Often overlooked due to his size, Pritchard has proven to be a key piece off the bench and even a clutch performer in big moments. His ability to space the floor, push the tempo, and play with confidence has endeared him to Celtics fans and made him a valuable asset in the team’s championship pursuits.
When Boucher arrived in Boston, it wasn’t just another free-agent acquisition—it was a reunion grounded in respect and familiarity. The presence of Pritchard in the locker room likely made the transition smoother for Boucher, who is stepping into a high-pressure environment with championship expectations. It also reignites a partnership that once thrived in Oregon green and gold, now reborn in Celtics green.
Their chemistry, even after all these years, remains intact. In training camp scrimmages and preseason matchups, flashes of their old connection have already become apparent. Boucher knows when Pritchard will attack the lane, and Pritchard instinctively finds Boucher in his favorite spots—whether for a trailing three, a roll to the rim, or a fast-break dunk. These aren’t just routine basketball plays; they’re the product of years of shared experiences, mutual growth, and an understanding that goes deeper than most NBA teammates ever reach.
Beyond the basketball court, the reunion also symbolizes something greater—a shared journey marked by perseverance, development, and belief. Both players have overcome obstacles to get to this point. Boucher, undrafted and once considered too frail for the league, has silenced critics with his relentless motor and evolving skillset. Pritchard, often labeled too small or limited athletically, has proven that heart, hustle, and high basketball IQ can outmatch raw measurables any day.
Together, they bring different but complementary attributes to the Celtics’ rotation. Boucher offers versatility in the frontcourt, able to play both the four and five spots, stretch the floor, switch defensively, and anchor the paint when needed. His length and energy are valuable assets in any defensive scheme. Pritchard, meanwhile, continues to be one of the most reliable backup guards in the league—able to run the second unit, hit timely shots, and hold his own defensively despite physical disadvantages.
Off the court, their shared past has also played a role in shaping the current team culture. The Celtics’ locker room is filled with high-character, hard-working individuals, and the bond between Pritchard and Boucher adds another layer of unity. It’s not often you see a college connection reemerge in the pros, especially years later and on a contending team. Their relationship is a reminder that success isn’t just about talent; it’s about connection, trust, and the ability to grow together over time.
As the Celtics aim to build on their recent success and chase another banner to hang in the rafters of TD Garden, having a duo with pre-existing chemistry and mutual respect is an underrated asset. Every championship team needs more than just superstars—they need glue guys, role players who understand their roles, play for each other, and bring intangible value to the group. Boucher and Pritchard fit that mold perfectly.
And as they take the floor together again, nearly ten years removed from their days lighting up college arenas, it’s hard not to smile at the full-circle nature of their story. From humble beginnings in Eugene to the bright lights of Boston, Chris Boucher and Payton Pritchard have reconnected at the perfect time, with unfinished business and shared ambition guiding them forward.
Their college connection might’ve been short-lived, but its impact continues to resonate—now in the NBA, where legacies are written not just by talent, but by stories like these. The reunion isn’t just sentimental; it’s strategic. The Celtics believe in both players and what they bring to the table. More importantly, Boucher and Pritchard believe in each other.
The next chapter is already being written. And if their journey so far is any indication, it’s going to be a story worth watching.
