ACC Basketball: Louisville, Wake Forest rise in updated way-too-early ranking for 2024-25

14. Cal Bears

Like Stanford, Coach Mark Madsen and the Bears have the tough task of replacing its entire roster outside of forward Curtis Williams, with everyone being a senior from last season. So now Jaylon Tyson, Fardaws Aimaq, or Jalen Celestine, the one key rotation player that had a chance to come back.

The roster building has been a solid job this offseason, landing some players with power conference experience. The backcourt includes a trio of ball-handlers in Christian Tucker (UTSA), DJ Campbell (Western Carolina), and Jovan Blacksher (GCU). 

Rytis Petraitis is a 6’7 wing from Air Force, coming off averaging 14.5 ppg. Minnesota transfer Joshua Ola-Joseph and former Stanford wing Andrej Stojakovic are capable starters and breakout candidates to watch in new roles. They’re the most likely to be leading scorers for Cal next season.

The frontcourt is where Cal has the most questions. BJ Omot averaged 16.5 ppg at North Dakota but is an undersized power forward who doesn’t space the floor. While Lee Dort and Mady Sissoko are veterans with limited ceilings. This is a roster that doesn’t have the highest ceiling overall but can be competitive in league play.