Andrej Stojakovic, the Illinois junior who posted 13.5 points, 4.5 rebounds and a modest 1.0 assist per game last season, is at a crossroads. The forward must choose between declaring for the NBA Draft or postponing his professional ambitions to return to the Fighting Illini for the 2026‑27 campaign.
Coach Brad Underwood finds himself in a strategic bind. Should Stojakovic depart, Underwood can either cling to the existing roster composition or pivot toward assembling a team bolstered by overseas talent, a route that could reshape the program’s identity.
The Decision Looming
Among the internal candidates, Jake Davis emerges as a potential starter, praised for his sharper three‑point shooting, while Zavier Zens is slated to serve as the primary backup, offering depth at the guard position.
Underwood’s Plan B hinges on recruiting players abroad, a possibility that could be facilitated through his connection with agent Misko Raznatovic. However, the NCAA’s recent tightening of eligibility rules for athletes who have competed in high‑level foreign leagues adds a layer of complexity to any overseas acquisition.
Recruiting Landscape
The shifting regulatory environment underscores the need for meticulous scouting and compliance, as the staff navigates a marketplace where seasoned foreign players must now meet stricter criteria to obtain U.S. eligibility.