Overview
- Andrej Stojaković has powered Illinois’ trip to the national semifinal against UConn with 15 points per game on 59.5% shooting and an All-South Region nod.
- He has come off the bench to attack the rim, draw fouls, and defend top wings, providing the lineup balance coaches said they needed in the tournament.
- Coaches credit his buy-in on defense and the team’s many three-point shooters for creating space that lets him drive, which has led to several 17-plus point outings late in the season.
- His season turned after a preseason knee setback and a February high ankle sprain, with Brad Underwood noting he accepted rebounding and defending as his offense rounded into form.
- He is the son of NBA All-Star Peja Stojaković, yet his game leans more on downhill slashing than long-range shooting, and his transfer path from Stanford to Cal to Illinois set up this breakthrough March.