The main worry with the Colorado men’s basketball team is the roster’s lack of experience.
The oldest returners, guards Julian Hammond III and Javon Ruffin, have each spent four years in the program, though have a combined 17 starts (15 of them by Hammond). The other returners can’t say they have more, and five of the six new additions have never played Division I hoops.
Then, there’s forward Andrej Jakimovski, the other new addition. A graduate transfer forward from Washington State, he has played head coach Tad Boyle and the Buffs eight times over the last four years.
“It's actually kind of crazy having him around,” Ruffin said. “The coaches loved him, even in scouting reports, they were always talking about how good of a player, how smart of a player he was. So, it's great to play with him. There's a reason the coaches recruited him.”
While Colorado bested Jakimovski and the Cougars in six of those games, the 3-and-D forward occasionally evaded those scouting reports. He hit 4-of-6 3-point attempts against the Buffs to begin conference play last season, making Boyle frustrated despite the CU victory.
“[Washington State] played hard and they got some good players,” Boyle said after the New Year’s Eve win. “We knew they had good shooters that are a lot better than their numbers and Jakimovski proved that today.”
As Boyle came to find out, 3-point shooting is the forte of Jakimovski’s game, though it’s evident in the stat sheet. Through 120 career games (and 80 starts), he shot 536 3-pointers in contrast to 272 2-pointers. He’s made 34.3% of his chances from deep, a number he wishes to improve, but a number opponents have to respect, especially off the catch. He was one of the better spot-up shooters in the nation last season.
At 6-foot-8, 215 pounds, Jakimovski also holds a strong frame. His athleticism isn’t to be marveled at, but his size helps him as a defender and defensive rebounder. Last season, he was in the Pac-12’s top 10 in defensive win shares (1.8) and snagged the 11th-most rebounds in the conference with 157.
As a good defender who can stretch the floor, Jakimovski found himself among the Pac-12’s top five total minute-getters (1,175 minutes) last season. He averaged 9.7 points, 5.6 rebounds and 1.3 assists per game.
“[I] had great respect for him as an opposing coach,” Boyle said about recruiting Jakimovski. “When you have respect for players that you're competing against and you got a chance to get them on your team, it's pretty simple. We tried to do that, and it worked out. So we're really glad, and again, fortunate to have Andrej on our team, even just for a year.”
Luckily for Boyle, Jakimovski’s respect was mutual.
“I’m glad I’m on his side now,” Jakimovski said. “I've been [a] fan of his game and style of play for so long, and once I got the call, I didn't think twice. I knew that this is the right fit for me.”
Beyond the admiration for one another, Colorado’s aforementioned roster situation allowed a perfect landing place for Jakimovski.
CU’s top six minute-receivers of last season were on the move, removing most veteran presence from the team. Boyle needed a leader and one who had experienced high-major hoops. Jakimovski, entering his final year of collegiate ball, wanted to expand his game.
“He saw the potential that I can go to the basket, shoot a floater, make a play for my teammates, be involved in the ball screens,” Jakimovski said. “At my size, I can see the floor well, and I can pass. I can find open guys. That's what I want to do.”
For Jakimovski to build his game in the way he wants, and thinks he can, however, he’ll have to feed into the Buffs’ culture and become the leader Boyle needs. He is already better than most, finding good chemistry with the team and looking to distribute the ball. But, an extra effort will be needed.
“We need Andrej to be a leader and to be vocal,” Boyle said. “We need him to set the standard and expectation every day in practice, which he does because Andrej is what I call an ‘Everyday guy.’ Every day, he's here. Every day, he's consistent with his attitude and his effort. He knows the game. He's got confidence in his abilities and that's got to permeate to the other players. And he sets a great example in practice. But he's got to do more than that. He's got to open his mouth and start directing some of these guys.”
It may take some time for Jakimovski to fully find his footing in Boulder. A catch-and-shoot 3-point shooter won’t implement a playmaking and midrange aspect to his game overnight, even with the glimpses in Jakimovski’s tape. As a transfer with an international upbringing, he may not have the easiest time finding his voice, despite knowing six languages and studying Italian in his fifth year.
However, Jakimovski has a strong foundation and holds expectations higher than most. With his work ethic, experience and ability, he aspires to be the Buffs’ top option in his final season of NCAA hoops. Jakimovski will lean on his team-first mentality and established collegiate presence, looking to rack up wins in the process.
“I want to make the whole team happy,” Jakimovski said. “If I score the ball, I'm happy. But if I pass the ball, there's two guys happy. So that's my goal, and I'm happy to be here.”
Cover photo by Brody Rector/Sko Buffs Sports
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