Report: Andrej Jakimovski plans to withdraw from 2024 NBA Draft, return to Colorado

On April 21, former Washington State forward Andrej Jakimovski committed to Colorado, via the NCAA Transfer Portal. However, he continued to participate in the NBA Draft process, as well. On Friday, Jon Rothstein reported Jakimovski will officially withdraw from the 2024 NBA Draft and play at Colorado next season.

Jakimovski spent four seasons at Washington State, amassing 120 appearances and 80 starts. In the 2023-24 season, Jakimovski averaged 9.7 points, 5.6 rebounds and 1.3 assists per game while shooting 36.1% from the field and 33.2% from beyond the arc.

Jakimovski scored a season-high 21 points in Washington State’s season-opening win over Idaho. The 6-foot-8 senior tallied three points and seven rebounds in the Cougars’ season-ending loss to Iowa State in the second round of the NCAA Tournament.

Jakimovski finished his time at Washington State as one of the program’s top-10 all-time leaders in 3-pointers made. Prior to playing at Washington State, Jakimovski played in the Italian Serie A2 Basket League as a member of Reale Mutua Torino.

Jakimovski was listed as the No. 39 small forward and No. 200 overall player in On3’s Transfer Portal Player Rankings. He will have one season of eligibility remaining.

Colorado forward Tristan Da Silva enters 2024 NBA Draft

Colorado will welcome Andrej Jakimovski with open arms next season. The team is not only losing former five-star prospect Cody Williams to the 2024 NBA Draft, but also four-year veteran Tristan Da Silva.

Da Silva averaged 16.0 points, 5.1 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game this season while shooting 49.3% from the field and 39.5% from beyond the arc. Da Silva averaged 18 points while shooting 60% from the field in Colorado’s three games in the NCAA Tournament.

For his efforts, he was named to the All-Pac-12 Second Team. It wasn’t his first time reeling in such honors. During his junior year in the 2022-23 season, Da Silva averaged 15.9 points and 4.8 rebounds per game while connecting on 49.6% of his attempts from the floor.

Da Silva was named an All-Pac-12 First Team member for his standout season. In his four years at Colorado, Da Silva amassed 124 appearances and 98 starts for 1,456 points and 475 rebounds.

In ESPN’s latest NBA mock draft, Da Silva was projected to be the No. 19 overall pick.

“Da Silva, a plug-and-play option at nearly 23 years old, brings coveted defensive versatility and feel for the game. He also doesn’t need plays called for him, which could be attractive operating alongside existing stars,” Givony wrote.