It feels like just a few days ago, Illinois guard Andrej Stojakovic announced his plan to return for another season with the Fighting Illini... mainly because it was just a few days ago.
Now, he has shocked the Illinois fanbase by making yet another announcement, declaring for the 2026 NBA Draft.
It isn't time to hit the panic button. He maintained his eligibility, allowing himself the room to come back for another year with Brad Underwood if his draft stock doesn't have him going high enough.
However, it was quite the surprise for fans to receive less than a week after he had made their offseason dreams come true by announcing his return.
Andrej Stojakovic declares for NBA Draft, maintains eligibility
Not to mention, after his incredible season for the Illini, it wouldn't be a huge surprise if Stojakovic ended up being a first or second-round projected draft pick.
Stojakovic averaged 13.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.0 assists per game, becoming a crucial player for Illinois's run to the Final Four even as he came off the bench for a good number of games toward the end of the season.
The veteran guard transferred to Illinois after starting his collegiate career at Stanford, transferring to California, and then finally bringing his talents to Champaign ahead of the 2025-26 season.
At 6-foot-7 and 205 pounds, he already has the build of an NBA guard or wing, becoming one of Underwood's go-to guys when the Illinois head coach wanted a bigger lineup on the court.
NEWS: Illinois' Andrej Stojakovic has entered his name into the NBA draft, sources told ESPN, leaving open the option to return to the Fighting Illini. He was an All-Region selection during Illinois' run to the Final Four.
— Jeff Borzello (@jeffborzello) April 26, 2026
Players who declare for the NBA Draft have until June 13 at 4 p.m. CT to withdraw their name, which comes well after the NBA Combine over the second week of May.
During that time, players can determine if their projected draft pick is high enough (in other words, if they'll get enough money or end up on an ideal team) for them to continue down the route to the NBA. If it isn't high enough, they can withdraw from the Draft and, because they maintained their eligiblity, return for at least one more season of college basketball.
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