<body><div><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=1jRk45_0w3hmbKR00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=1jRk45_0w3hmbKR00" width="620" height="320" ><figcaption>(Photo: © Jim Dedmon, USA TODAY Sports)</figcaption></figure><a href="https://247sports.com/Player/andrej-stojakovic-46117544/">Andrej Stojakovic</a> is transitioning to the Atlantic Coast Conference, but he's trekking less than 55 minutes north from his original home to make the transition. The new <a href="https://247sports.com/college/california/">California Golden Bears</a> small forward Stojakovic arrives as a prized transfer from nearby fierce rival Stanford. Both teams will be continuing their annual bouts, but this time as full-fledged ACC members ahead of the 2024-25 basketball season. For the first time since his transfer, Stojakovic addressed the national media about what his thoughts are on facing his old team. And right off the bat, the newcomer to Berkeley got asked if it excites him to face his old team again – this time in a new conference. "Yeah, of course. I think along with competing against new teams on the East Coast, I think having <a href="https://247sports.com/college/stanford/">Stanford</a> there, continuing that rival, you know, my old teammates over there. Obviously, a tremendous amount of respect for that program, but I'm extremely excited to compete against them this year," Stojakovic said. He was once a prized five-star prospect addition for Stanford, plus the state of California's No. 5 overall prospect for the 2023 class by 247Sports composite. The son of the NBA legend Peja Stojakovic became one of the last major recruiting coups for former head coach <a href="https://247sports.com/Coach/jerod-haase-1306/">Jerod Haase</a>. Following Haase's dismissal as head coach last season, Stojakovic immediately jumped onto the portal. Well, it turns out his newest HC has his own Stanford ties. Stojakovic Shares if He's Seen 'Mad Dog' Persona The former Carmichael (Calif.) Jesuit star is now around a Stanford legend inside Haas Pavilion in second-year Cal head coach <a href="https://247sports.com/Coach/mark-madsen-5306/">Mark Madsen</a>.He's also best known as the "Mad Dog" from his days in Palo Alto and becoming a beloved fan favorite for the <a href="https://247sports.com/nba/los-angeles-lakers/">Los Angeles Lakers</a> in the early 2000s. Madsen became renowned for his eccentric, yet fiery, persona on the court. Has Stojakovic, whose father had some memorable battles with Madsen's Lakers, seen the edgy side of Madsen? The newest member of Cal has witnessed a different persona out of his new head coach. "To us as a coach, we don't see him as that. He's extremely quiet and patient. He's very calm now as a coach from our standpoint," Stojakovic said. Although, Madsen comes equipped with honesty and isn't hesitant to share it. "He's very transparent with what he expects of us, and I think that's what makes him a great coach," Stojakovic said. For now, Stojakovic is heading to Berkeley expected to impact the rotation right away. The 20-year-old left The Farm averaging 7.8 points per game and 3.4 rebounds. He also shot 32.7% from the 3-point line. He's not only coming in as a former member of Cal's annual nemesis. But he comes with NBA bloodlines in tow. Even in his move away from Stanford, Stojakovic revealed the advice his father has given him. "Just staying the course. Obviously understanding that kids in my class are going to go one and done or go overseas and whatnot, but I think everyone has their own journey. Being patient with myself, obviously, understanding that it's going to take different time for different players. Just continuing to grow for myself and when the time is right, it will come," Stojakovic said.</div></body>

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Andrej Stojakovic breaks down transfer from Stanford to Cal

Andrej Stojakovic is transitioning to the Atlantic Coast Conference, but he's trekking less than 55 minutes north from his original home to make the transition. The new California Golden Bears small forward Stojakovic arrives as a prized transfer from nearby fierce rival Stanford. Both teams will be continuing their annual bouts, but this time as full-fledged ACC members ahead of the 2024-25 basketball season.

Andrej Stojakovic breaks down transfer from Stanford to Cal

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