Andrej Stojakovic, the Illinois guard who declared for the NBA Draft earlier this year, has reversed course and will spend his senior season back with the Fighting Illini.
The move follows a period of uncertainty after the NBA Draft Combine, where his shooting numbers failed to impress scouts, prompting the player to reconsider his next steps.
Stojakovic was a linchpin during Illinois' run to the Final Four, delivering 21 points against VCU and 17 against Iowa, and he finished the junior campaign with averages of 13.5 points, 4.5 rebounds and 1.0 assist per game.
His three‑point efficiency has been a concern, slipping to a career‑low 24.4% this season, a trend that was on display at the combine and contributed to his draft‑stock volatility.
A Calculated Gamble
By returning to Champaign, the 6‑foot‑7 forward hopes to iron out his shot and showcase a more polished offensive package ahead of the 2027 draft cycle.
Coaches and analysts view the decision as a calculated gamble; an additional year of high‑level competition could elevate his projection from a mid‑to‑late second‑round pick to a potential first‑round candidate, provided the shooting improvements materialize.
The upcoming season will also be a test of durability and leadership, as Stojakovic will be expected to shoulder a larger role both on and off the court.
If the plan unfolds as intended, the Illini could once again be a formidable presence in the Big Ten, and Stojakovic may finally translate his collegiate potential into NBA readiness.