Illinois basketball coach Brad Underwood confronts a decisive offseason as Andrej Stojakovic, the team's second‑leading scorer and a starter, evaluates the prospect of remaining in the NBA Draft. His choice reverberates through the program's plans for the upcoming campaign.
Stojakovic's 13.5 points per game have made him a cornerstone of the Illini's offense, and his potential departure creates a void that must be filled quickly before the NCAA's May 27 deadline at 11:59 p.m. ET.
The Countdown to a Decision
The looming deadline forces both player and coaching staff to weigh options under pressure. If Stojakovic elects to stay in the draft, the Illini must either keep the current roster intact or pursue new talent to replace his production.
Underwood's first contingency is to elevate Jake Davis into the starting lineup, with Zavier Zens positioned as the primary backup. This internal solution preserves continuity but may not fully offset the scoring loss.
Options on the Table
Should external reinforcement be required, Underwood intends to look abroad, particularly to the Balkans, leveraging the network of agent Misko Raznatovic, who manages a pool of overseas prospects.
Recent NCAA regulations have tightened eligibility for players who have competed in high‑level professional leagues, adding a layer of complexity to any overseas recruitment effort.
Underwood acknowledges that any newcomer will likely deliver fewer points than Stojakovic's 13.5 per game, but the focus remains on securing a player who can contribute meaningful minutes and bring a complementary skill set.
The broader implication for the Illinois Fighting Illini hinges on how quickly the program can adapt, both on the court and in maintaining team chemistry as it prepares for the next season.