Andrej Jakimovski 

A go-to-guy for the Macedonian youth teams in the past, Andrej Jakimovski moved to Torino to play in the Italian second tier at 18-years-old. He earned his first international cap at 19, and then enrolled in Washington State. He reached a sort of cult-hero status with the former PAC-12 program after 4 seasons that included a trip to the NCAA tournament in 2024 (first for the Cougars in 16 years). Afterwards, he joined the Colorado Buffaloes in the Big 12 as a graduate student, and solidified his team-first approach with his best numbers in college yet. As you could expect after an illustrious NCAA career, Andrej Jakimovski has returned to Italy to sign a two-year deal with Trento.

PLAYER OUTLOOK

Even though he’s had a couple of 30-points-games in the EuroCup, you can’t help but feel Andrej Jakimovski’s first professional experience is going somewhat under the radar. The fact that Trento uses him primarily as a floor spacer despite being a sort of streaky shooter (32% from deep in 3.5 attempts/night) plays a huge part in this underrated-like perception. Certainly, most of Jakimovski’s offensive diet consists in spot-up action (36.6%), but the Macedonian international finds other ways to deliver the goods like a proper utility forward.

Due to his size and profile, Jakimovski used to play the 4 in school a lot, and it shows. He’s built like a tank, and fits right in the tweener prototype with a combination of broad shoulders, massive upper-body and length. He has quick feet, too, and loves to play through contact and bump into bodies every damn time. Jakimovski can effectively absorb contact in catch-and-drive situations and attacking closeouts. He also has a knack for crashing the offensive glass (1.0pt/night) and acting as a roll man (1.92 PPP), albeit at a much lower volume and with an improbable 55.5% clip at the rim.

With everything said, the Macedonian is at his best when he sprints the floor on the break (2.7pts/night), handling some and exploiting mismatches downhill. Being such an all-around forward by trade, when the many weapons at his disposal come together, Andrej Jakimovski becomes a force to be reckoned.

BANKABLE SKILL

Even after watching his 30-points-piece full highlights, you could argue that Andrej Jakimovski’s defensive shift is equally or even more impressive than the offensive one. Standing at a generous 6’8, Jakimovski is disciplined and well-equipped to guard multiple positions. He’s tough, rotates with a purpose, and contests shots all over the place (only 0.33 PPP allowed against jumpers off the dribble). Jakimovski excels at staying in front of pick-and-roll ball-handlers (86th percentile) and in ISO plays (98th percentile). He’s switchable too, and can put a fight down low against bigger forwards/centers with his anticipation and strength.

Besides the advanced stats, Andrej Jakimovski stands out on tape because of his ability to transform defense into offense after a rebound, a steal or a stop. The Macedonian forward is all instinct in transition, skilled and relentless. He runs the floor like a madman as a target, but can handle and self-create with the grab-and-go move as well. In addition, Jakimovski’s playmaking chops pick up on the open floor, showing he’s a better passer than his usual connector role suggests.

#FibaYouthBball Strong first pro season in Italy w/ Trento for the former Colorado & WSU forward Andrej Jakimovski

Proper 6’8 tweener that impacts the game on both ends w/ his feel and physicality. Exciting ability to turn D into offense #GoingPro #GoCougs #GoBuffs #TuttoUnAltroSport #BasketballCL

[image or embed]

— MaceoBaller (@maceoballer.bsky.social) 20 febbraio 2026 alle ore 19:05

EXPECTATIONS

It’s been an uneven but competitive season for Trento, still holding onto a playoff spot in the Lega Basket Seria A and facing Besiktas in the quarterfinals of the EuroCup. A backcourt line with DJ Steward, DaVante Jones and Khalif Battle quite literally calls the shots. All the same, Andrej Jakimovski has had some terrific performances sliding between both forward spots with his physicality and motor. Never mind if the 3pt-ball doesn’t fall in. Just so you know, the Macedonian shot a career-high 38% during his sophomore campaign in Washington State. Anything around or above that mark at the current volume will surely intrigue EuroLeague clubs.

Jakimovski will be 25 years old when you read these lines, so there will be few surprises left in his package. Besides shooting consistency as a must, multi-positional value and two-way production, Jakimovski could surely exceed his role-player potential by increasing his on-ball touches, as he does with the Macedonian national team (29.1 % usage-rate). We’ve enjoyed more of his bounce and flashes of ball-screen offense at the EuroBasket pre-qualifiers, which undoubtedly raise his ceiling and confidence. Whatever path he takes, we can’t wait to see Andrej Jakimovski becoming one of the ultimate glue-guys of European hoops in the next few years.

Next page: Oumar Ballo