Andrej Stojakovic, the Illinois standout who helped the Fighting Illini reach the Final Four last season, remains undecided about entering the 2026 NBA Draft. His performance this past year placed him among the team's most reliable contributors, averaging 13.6 points and 4.4 rebounds per game during the regular season and 13.8 points with 4.0 rebounds in the NCAA Tournament, where he earned All-South Region honors.
The Draft Deadline
Stojakovic has until tonight to file his paperwork, a deadline that adds urgency to a decision that could affect not only his own career trajectory but also the competitive balance of the upcoming Illinois-Indiana matchup.
The choice between turning professional and returning to the Fighting Illini carries broader stakes, as Illinois is already positioned as one of the nation's strongest programs under head coach Brad Underwood, who has guided the team to six consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances and aims for another Final Four run in the 2026-27 season.
A Rivalry Renewed
The Hoosiers and Fighting Illini are slated to meet in Bloomington this upcoming season, a venue that last saw Illinois defeat Indiana 71-51 on February 15. That loss sparked a four-game skid for Indiana, a stretch that included a 1-6 finish to the year and ultimately resulted in the Hoosiers missing March Madness for the third straight season.
Indiana's recent struggles have left fans yearning for a turnaround, and the upcoming clash offers a chance to reverse that trend. The team's roster will feature incoming transfer guard Stefan Vaaks, who burst onto the scene with a sensational freshman season at Providence and is expected to make an immediate impact.
Illinois' Outlook
Coach Brad Underwood's system continues to attract top talent, and the Fighting Illini enter the new campaign with high expectations. Their recent success under his leadership has cemented Illinois as a perennial contender, and the program's trajectory suggests another deep tournament run is within reach.
Indiana's Response
For Indiana, the addition of Vaaks brings fresh energy to a squad that has endured three consecutive seasons without an NCAA Tournament berth. Fans hope the new-look Hoosiers can capitalize on the rivalry game to ignite a positive momentum that might finally break the program's recent drought.