Andrej Stojakovic entered his freshman year at Illinois with high expectations, but the early going was anything but smooth. Averaging 13.3 points and 4.5 rebounds per game, he quickly learned that the spotlight would be shared.
A Scoring Surge in the Early Schedule
He erupted for 20‑plus points in four of his first six contests, highlighted by a 23‑point effort against Texas Tech and a 26‑point outburst versus Alabama. Those performances set the tone for a season in which he shot 50.0% from the field, 24.4% from three and 80.5% from the line.
Finding a Complementary Role
When Keaton Wagler emerged as the team’s primary scorer, Stojakovic’s usage dipped. After an ankle injury in mid‑February cost him his starting spot, he adapted by focusing on defense and rebounding, a shift that proved pivotal in later games.
Defensive Impact and Tournament Highlights
His on‑ball defense limited Iowa star Bennett Stirtz to no field goals over the final 9:25 of the Elite Eight clash, and his rebound rate jumped from 2.9% as a sophomore to 6.0% as a junior. In the NCAA Tournament he posted a 13.8‑point, 4.0‑rebound line on 55.3% shooting, capped by a 21‑point performance in the Round of 32 win over VCU.
Looking Ahead
Though his offensive role may continue to evolve, Stojakovic’s blend of scoring efficiency and defensive tenacity positions him as a cornerstone for Illinois’ future ambitions, including a potential push for a national championship.