As the NBA Combine continues on, more and more players are thinking over their decision to stay with the NBA Draft process or go back to the college ranks. One player all Illinois fans are keeping an eye on is Andrej Stojakovic, who declared for the NBA Draft but said he would return to Illinois if he withdrew from the process and not enter the transfer portal.
This was a huge announcement for an Illinois team that went to the Final Four this last season and is bringing back a good portion of that elite team. Stojakovic is showing off his skill at the combine while also getting a feel for what NBA teams are thinking about his draft position.
Stojakovic gave fans a cryptic message on whether or not he would make the return to Illinois instead of heading to the NBA, saying both are great options for himself, but the latest reports shouldn't have fans worrying too much.
Illinois camp isn't concerned about Andrej Stojakovic actually staying in the NBA Draft
While Stojakovic could have a very bright future in the NBA in front of him, he could also take another season in the college ranks to build his stock at Illinois. According to CBS Sports, the Illinois camp is not too worried about Stojakovic actually heading to the NBA and believes he will return to Illinois.
Stojakovic has said he has received good feedback from NBA teams and feels like he is in a good spot right now, just keeping both feet in the draft process. However, on the other hand, he knows what would be waiting back for him in Illinois and feels he is in a win-win situation no matter where he decides to go.
"I think I'm in a special situation where my option to go back to school is one of a kind," Stojakovic said. "Not many people in this Combine have the option to go back to a Final Four team with most of the guys returning. … I'm very thankful for the situation I'm in because going back to school is also a really, really good option for me.
Stojakovic has the chance to come back to Illinois and be the bona fide star, especially with freshman Keaton Wagler surely heading to the NBA. With another really strong season under his belt with the Fighting Illini, Stojakovic could elevate his draft stock even more than what it already is.
While Stojakovic is focusing on the NBA Draft right now and keeping everything there, it is hard to think that the pull to Illinois isn't there, and if those with the team aren't panicking, there shouldn't be any reason for the fans to panic either.
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