The NCAA transfer portal has seen a flurry of activity since it opened on March 24, 2025, with over 1,000 players entering their names. As the window remains open until April 22, fans can expect that number to continue to grow in the coming days. Among those making headlines is California Golden Bears guard Andrej Stojakovic, who officially entered the transfer portal on April 17, 2025, with a ‘Do Not Contact’ tag, according to Joe Tipton of On3 Sports.
Stojakovic, a 6-foot-7 guard, enjoyed a standout season with the Golden Bears. He averaged 17.9 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game, leading the team in scoring and earning All-ACC Honorable Mention honors. His impressive performance included a career-high 37 points in a tough 78-73 loss to Stanford during the ACC Tournament, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure.
Despite his success this past season, Stojakovic's decision to enter the transfer portal marks a significant moment for both him and the California basketball program. This move comes after he spent only one season with the Golden Bears, having previously transferred from Stanford. In his freshman year with the Cardinal, he averaged 7.8 points and 3.4 rebounds, but it was at Cal where he truly broke out as a player.
Stojakovic's decision not to test the NBA draft process, as reported by ESPN's Jonathan Givony, indicates his intention to continue developing his skills at the collegiate level. He is now set to suit up for his third school in as many years, having previously considered prestigious programs like North Carolina and Kentucky before choosing California.
His father, Peja Stojakovic, is a former NBA champion and three-time All-Star, which adds another layer of intrigue to Andrej's career trajectory. Peja Stojakovic had a stellar 13-season career in the NBA, playing for teams such as the Sacramento Kings and the Dallas Mavericks, where he secured a championship in 2011. The legacy of his father undoubtedly places a spotlight on Andrej as he navigates his own path in college basketball.
After a season that saw the Golden Bears finish 14-19 overall and 6-14 in conference play, head coach Mark Madsen emphasized the need for improvement in non-conference games moving forward. "We have to win more non-conference games," Madsen stated, reflecting on the team's struggles during the season. "We were up 15, 18 points in the first half on the road, and then we didn’t finish the game. Missouri outplayed us in the second half."
Stojakovic's departure, along with the anticipated transfer of teammate Jeremiah Wilkinson to Georgia, poses a challenge for the Golden Bears as they look to rebuild and strengthen their roster for the upcoming season. Wilkinson had a promising freshman season, averaging nearly 20 points per game after being moved to the starting lineup for the final 14 games.
As the NCAA transfer portal continues to evolve, Stojakovic's name is sure to be one of the most coveted among the players looking for new opportunities. His combination of size, skill, and pedigree makes him an attractive prospect for many programs. With the potential for further movement in the portal, fans and analysts alike will be keeping a close eye on where Stojakovic ultimately lands.
For now, as the transfer window remains open, the basketball community is left speculating on the next chapter in Andrej Stojakovic's career. Will he find a new home that elevates his game further? Or will he choose to stay closer to home and continue to develop under a familiar system? Only time will tell, but one thing is for certain: this young talent is just getting started.
As the Golden Bears reflect on a challenging season, they must also consider how to adapt and improve moving forward. The departure of key players like Stojakovic and Wilkinson will undoubtedly impact the team's dynamics, but it also opens the door for new recruits and returning players to step up. The upcoming offseason will be crucial for California as they seek to build a stronger and more competitive roster.
In conclusion, the NCAA transfer portal is reshaping college basketball, and Andrej Stojakovic's decision to enter it is just one of many stories unfolding in this dynamic landscape. With his talent and potential, he is poised to make waves wherever he lands next. Fans will be eagerly watching to see what the future holds for this promising young player.
