In a stunning and unexpected move on the college basketball recruiting trail, former five-star prospect Andrej Stojaković has flipped his commitment from the Kentucky Wildcats to the BYU Cougars. The decision comes as a major recruiting win for BYU and head coach Kevin Young, while simultaneously dealing a blow to Kentucky’s incoming class under Mark Pope.
Stojaković, the son of former NBA All-Star Peja Stojaković, was originally a highly touted recruit in the 2023 class, ranked as the No. 1 small forward and one of the top prospects nationally. After spending his freshman year at Stanford, where he averaged 7.9 points and 3.4 rebounds per game, Stojaković entered the transfer portal and quickly became one of the most sought-after players on the market. He initially pledged to Kentucky in early April, joining what was shaping up to be a top-tier transfer class for Pope in his first year leading the Wildcats.
However, after a late official visit to BYU and some persistent recruiting efforts from Kevin Young and his staff, Stojaković shocked the basketball world by announcing a flip in his commitment. He took to social media to share his new decision, stating, “After much prayer, reflection, and conversations with my family, I’ve decided to continue my basketball career at BYU. I’m excited for what’s ahead with Coach Young and to be a part of something special.”
The news sends shockwaves through both programs. For BYU, it’s a monumental moment. The Cougars not only land a player with NBA bloodlines and high-level scoring ability but also make a statement on the national recruiting scene. Stojaković’s flip signals that BYU, now a member of the Big 12 Conference, is becoming a legitimate destination for top-tier talent. With Kevin Young at the helm—an NBA veteran assistant with strong developmental credentials—the Cougars are suddenly looking like a team on the rise.
Young was instrumental in landing Stojaković, reportedly building a strong relationship with him during the recruitment process. Known for his offensive mind and player development acumen, Young’s pitch to Stojaković centered around making him the focal point of the offense and preparing him for the next level. That message clearly resonated.
On the flip side, Kentucky fans are left reeling. Stojaković was expected to play a major role in Pope’s reimagined roster, and his decommitment leaves a hole in the Wildcats’ wing depth. Still, Pope has been aggressive in the portal and may pivot quickly to fill the void, but losing a talent like Stojaković certainly stings—especially to another program within the same religious affiliation (both BYU and Kentucky have LDS roots).
For Stojaković, BYU offers a chance to be a featured star in a system tailored to his strengths. His shooting ability, court vision, and pedigree make him an ideal fit in Young’s offensive scheme. And in the Big 12, he’ll face elite competition that will test and elevate his game.
Ultimately, this flip is about fit, opportunity, and vision. BYU sold Stojaković on being a centerpiece rather than just another piece, and that belief helped land one of the most impactful transfers in the country. As college basketball continues to evolve in the era of NIL and player empowerment, commitments like this are a reminder that anything can happen—and that the Cougars are no longer just an underdog on the recruiting trail.