In a significant move for the Illinois Fighting Illini basketball program, head coach Brad Underwood announced on Monday, April 28, 2025, that Andrej Stojaković, a 6-foot-7 wing and son of former NBA star Peja Stojaković, will transfer to the University of Illinois for his junior season. This announcement follows a breakout year at Cal, where Stojaković showcased his scoring prowess and versatility on the court.
Stojaković, who previously played for Stanford, had an impressive sophomore season at Cal, averaging a team-high 17.9 points, alongside 4.7 rebounds and 1.8 assists per game. He started in 28 of 29 games, proving to be a vital asset for the Golden Bears, who finished the season with a 14-19 record. His ability to score in various ways was highlighted by his performance in the ACC Tournament, where he scored a career-high 37 points against Stanford and averaged 29 points over the final three games.
“Andrej is a veteran, proven scorer who does it in all three facets: catch and shoot, off the dribble, and post-ups,” Coach Underwood said. “He has great size on the perimeter, ball handling skills, playmaking abilities, quickness on the defensive end, and a knack for blocking shots. Andrej is a very important addition for us because of his experience, high basketball IQ, and productivity.”
Stojaković’s addition comes at a crucial time for Illinois, as the team lost key players to the NBA Draft, including guard Kasparas Jakucionis and Will Riley. With the need for a scoring wing, Underwood’s recruitment of Stojaković intensified, and he ultimately chose Illinois over North Carolina and a return to Stanford. “Coach Underwood has been very aggressive recruiting me from the start and constantly reiterating how much I’m wanted and needed as a basketball player there,” Stojaković told ESPN. “They really believe I’m the missing piece to what they think is a national championship team.”
Despite his successful season, Stojaković’s three-point shooting left room for improvement, as he shot 31.8% from beyond the arc. However, the Illini’s roster features three big men capable of spacing the floor, which should help create driving lanes for Stojaković to exploit. Rising junior center Tomislav Ivišić, known for his ability to find cutters, and incoming guard Mihailo Petrović, with strong facilitating skills, will further enhance Stojaković’s opportunities on the court.
Last season, Stojaković’s scoring ability was evident as he recorded 13 games with 20 or more points, including three outings where he surpassed 30 points. He led Cal in blocks with 34, showcasing his defensive capabilities as well. Stojaković’s career at Stanford included an average of 7.8 points and 3.4 rebounds as a freshman, where he started 10 of 32 games.
Stojaković, who was ranked as a top-25 recruit in the Class of 2023 and a McDonald’s All-American, has a basketball pedigree that includes his father, Peja Stojaković, a former NBA All-Star and champion. His experience and skill set make him a significant addition to a Fighting Illini team that is looking to build on a successful 22-win season and NCAA Tournament appearance.
Underwood’s program has been active in the transfer portal, bringing in Stojaković as the second major transfer addition this spring, alongside Croatian big man Zvonimir Ivišić from Arkansas. This influx of talent, particularly from international players, may position Illinois as one of the most diverse rosters in college basketball next season.
“I’m looking forward to being part of a team where I can bring the ball up and have shooters all around,” Stojaković expressed. “I can also be a shooter, play on the wing, when someone else is bringing the ball up.” With the Illini’s international flavor, featuring players from Serbia and Croatia, the team’s chemistry will be crucial as they prepare for the upcoming season.
As the Fighting Illini gear up for what promises to be an exciting season, Stojaković’s commitment marks a pivotal moment for the program. With expectations high and a roster filled with potential, fans are eager to see how this new lineup will perform on the court. Stojaković’s arrival may just be what Illinois needs to elevate their game to new heights and contend for a national championship.
