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National pundit says “no major risk” of Illinois basketball losing Andrej Stojakovic to the NBA

Illinois basketball is waiting word on what Andrej Stojakovic is going to do, but one national pundit thinks it is a no brainer decision.
ByRees Woodcock|
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Mar 21, 2026; Greenville, SC, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Andrej Stojakovic (2) defends against VCU Rams guard Terrence Hill Jr. (6) during a second round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
Mar 21, 2026; Greenville, SC, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Andrej Stojakovic (2) defends against VCU Rams guard Terrence Hill Jr. (6) during a second round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images | Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

The world is waiting, or at least the Illinois basketball portion of the world is waiting to hear news from Andrej Stojakovic.

It has been a couple of weeks now since Stojakovic shocked the Illini fanbase and declared for the NBA Draft while still keeping the door open to fully returning to Champaign. The NBA Draft Combine is complete, and players are starting to make their decisions.

One former Illinois player is heading to the NBA, but Stojakovic hasn’t made up his mind. On Wednesday, Jeff Goodman of The Field of 68 took to the internet to exclaim that there is no reason to be worried about Stojakovic’s decision if you are an Illinois fan.

“No brainer, come back. I think he cancelled some NBA workouts already. I think there may be an injury there as well, but I don’t think there is any major risk, it sounds like, of him (Andrej Stojakovic) staying in the NBA Draft.”

This is news everyone kind of expects, but as time passes, it becomes more likely that Stojakovic stays in the NBA Draft process.

Goodman seems to think it is a near lock for Stojakovic to return to Illinois. That would be big for the Orange and Blue, as we would get back someone who averaged 13.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.0 assists per game last season.

Stojakovic also displayed his great ability to get to the rim and finish. While he isn’t the most skilled perimeter shooter, his mid-range shot is solid, and he can be a nightmare for anyone guarding him as he drives into the paint.

If Andrej Stojakovic does pull the trigger and stay in the NBA Draft, Illinois basketball has some nice backup options

It would be painful to lose Stojakovic because Illinois fans know the impact he made on the Final Four team this past season. He can be a momentum changer and someone who can light up the scoreboard on any given night.

Brad Underwood has some good options if Stojakovic does stay in the draft, though. My favorite to take the starting job would be Jake Davis. He took over the starting job from Stojakovic midway through last season, and Davis would fit seamlessly back into the starting lineup.

Another intriguing option would be incoming freshman Lucas Morillo. He has a decent size at 6-foot-7, and he is a better shooter than Stojakovic. He could pair up with fellow incoming freshman Quentin Coleman in the Illinois starting lineup.

My gut feeling says the Stojakovic decision is 50-50 right now. He has waited this long, which is a red flag for me. But at the end of the day, whatever decision he makes, I wish him nothing but the best.

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