Why the Draft Was Not the Only Option
Andrej Stojakovic has officially withdrawn his name from the NBA Draft, choosing instead to return for a second season with the University of Illinois.
The 6‑foot‑7 guard caught the eye at the recent Draft Combine, where his 41.5‑inch max vertical topped the prospect list, underscoring his athletic upside.
Despite that highlight, analysts had pegged him as a late‑second‑round selection, a slot that would have offered limited guaranteed earnings compared with the developmental pathway awaiting him in Champaign.
Stojakovic’s freshman campaign yielded 13.5 points and 4.5 rebounds per game, shooting a crisp 50% from the field, numbers that contributed to the buzz around his potential.
The Illini, eyeing a national championship run in the 2026‑27 campaign, stand to benefit from his continued growth and experience.
Looking Ahead
His decision reflects a broader trend among top prospects weighing immediate professional prospects against the chance to cement a college legacy, and it positions Illinois as a formidable contender for the upcoming season.