California’s men’s basketball program is entering a pivotal offseason as head coach Mark Madsen begins shaping the roster for the 2026‑27 campaign. The coaching staff is focused on preserving the momentum generated by a 22‑win season and on finding the right mix of talent to meet or exceed that benchmark.
Projected Starting Five
The current projection lists Jordan Ross as the dynamic point guard who can control tempo, Michael Cooper as a lights‑out shooter with a strong locker‑room presence, Nojus Indrusaitis as a versatile playmaker, Jake Wilkins as an elite defender and rebounder with a smooth outside shot, and Lee Dort as a seasoned forward. This group represents a blend of experience and upside that the staff believes can anchor the team.
Among the newcomers, Amier Ali stands out as a versatile guard/forward who brings high‑level experience from Arizona State and Mississippi State. His ability to handle multiple roles makes him a candidate to step into a starting spot if the coaching staff decides to reshuffle the lineup.
While Michael Cooper is slated to start, the staff notes that he is best suited to operate at point guard, allowing Ross to focus on playmaking. The depth chart also includes players such as Jovani Ruff and TT Carr, who are expected to receive significant minutes despite limited college experience.
Depth and Development
Guard Gabe Sularski and freshman center Nicolas Mitrovic could earn increased court time as the program evaluates their readiness. Additionally, Lithuanian freshman Daubaris is being watched for potential growth into a significant contributor. The staff also expects juniors Sammie Yeanay, DK Dut, and Mantas Kocanas to see expanded roles if offseason improvements materialize.
The roster includes transfers from a variety of institutions, including Mississippi State, Arizona State, Saint Mary’s College of California, Wright State, the University of Pittsburgh, Iowa State, the University of Delaware, and the Arkansas Razorbacks. Each program brings a different skill set that the Golden Bears hope to integrate into a cohesive unit.
Beyond the on‑court considerations, the coaching staff is monitoring the academic and personal development of players such as Jeremiah Wilkinson, who transitioned from a freshman afterthought to one of the team’s top performers before moving on to Georgia, where he led the Bulldogs in scoring. His trajectory underscores the program’s capacity to nurture growth.