ACC Basketball: Preseason power rankings for 2024-25 season

Mar 9, 2024; Durham, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels guard RJ Davis (4) controls the ball in front of Duke Blue Devils guard Tyrese Proctor (5) during the first half at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Kinnan-Imagn Images / Rob Kinnan-Imagn Images

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16. Cal Bears

Coach Mark Madsen had a successful first year at Cal last season, leading a team led by seniors. However, all of the main rotation pieces are gone, and ten transfers joined them this offseason. There’s also Jeremiah Wilkerson, a three-star incoming freshman ball-handler.

The Bears have three new guards who can run the offense. DJ Campbell shot 42% from deep at Coastal Carolina. Christian Tucker averaged over five assists a game at UTSA, while Jovan Blacksher Jr. was a four-year double-digit scorer at Grand Canyon. Rytis Petratis, a 6’5 guard from Air Force, averaged over 15 ppg as the most productive transfer newcomer.

The key for Cal is the wing performers. BJ Omot scored over 16 ppg in North Dakota, while Joshua Ola-Joseph is a 6’7 forward from Minnesota and started for the last two years. Andrej Stojakovic is a former 5-star prospect from Stanford, with Spencer Mahoney adding depth from Wazzu.

Lee Dort (Vandy) and Mady Sissoko (Michigan State) give them depth at center, but neither are big-time offensive threats. Coach Madsen had a ready-made roster a year ago but this is his true rebuilding effort, now in the ACC. Unless multiple guys emerge as stars, expect some rocky beginnings for the program here.

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