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Key Illinois basketball transfer is cleared for takeoff

Without even playing a game, the Illinois basketball team got the 2025-26 season back on track.
ByRees Woodcock|
Mar 7, 2025; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Brad Underwood reacts to a call with his assistants during the second half against the Purdue Boilermakers at State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images
Mar 7, 2025; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Brad Underwood reacts to a call with his assistants during the second half against the Purdue Boilermakers at State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images | Ron Johnson-Imagn Images

The Illinois basketball program is just over two weeks removed from receiving some bad news.

While Brad Underwood was at an event for the Illini a couple of weeks ago, he mentioned that the program might be without newcomer Andrej Stojakovic. This news sent shockwaves through the Illinois fanbase, and there was a ton of speculation running rampant.

On Friday, those worries were put to bed. According to Jon Rothstein of CBS Sports, Underwood has said that Stojakovic is going to be back on the court and should be fully cleared for all basketball activities in a few weeks.

This is incredible news for the Illini. Stojakovic joined the program and was immediately looked at as a main contributor for the 2025-26 season. He was going to bring his 17.9 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game with him.

The fact that all of this was in jeopardy just weeks ago was gut-wrenching. It had me thinking that this season might be a struggle already due to injury. Thankfully, Stojakovic is back in the fold to start the run to the NCAA tournament.

Brad Underwood will have some tough decisions on the Illinois basketball starting lineup

I put together a projected Illinois lineup if Stojakovic missed time, and it was a much thinner lineup than I would have hoped. With the son of a former NBA star back in the fold, Illinois gets deeper, and this forces a tougher decision for Underwood.

You obviously have to start Kylan Boswell, Stojakovic, Tomislav Ivisic, and Mihailo Petrovic. But then Underwood has the decision between Ben Humrichous, Zvonimir Ivisic, and David Mirkovic for that last starting spot.

There will be some tough conversations this fall, but one thing is for certain: Illinois will be at full power. This team has talent, and I can’t wait to see that talent gel.

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