Stojakovic Embraces Complete Experience at Illinois
In Greenville, S.C., Andrej Stojakovic soaked in the NCAA tournament atmosphere with his Illinois teammates. The Illini arrived in town after earning a No. 3 seed.
The team gathered for Selection Sunday at Ubben Basketball Complex in Champaign. Beef House Restaurant catered the meal. David Mirkovic also brought homemade Balkan dishes to share.
From California to Illinois
Stojakovic left California after the 2024-25 season seeking a new opportunity. His Golden Bears finished 14-19 and went 6-14 in the ACC that year.
His freshman season at Stanford produced a 14-18 record. The Cardinal won eight conference games and finished ninth in the Pac-12. That year marked Jerod Haase’s final season as coach.
Those results helped shape his decision. He wanted to play on an NCAA tournament team and to grow his game in a different setting.
Tournament week and on-court moments
Stepping onto the NCAA-branded court at Bon Secours Wellness Arena was a defining moment for him. The arena hosted Illinois’ open shootaround before the tournament game.
Illinois opened with a 105-70 win over Penn. The victory gave Stojakovic and the team momentum heading into a matchup with VCU. A win there would send Illinois to the Sweet 16.
The Illini finished the regular season with 24 wins and a top-four Big Ten finish. That résumé helped secure the third seed in the bracket.
Team chemistry and first-time experiences
Several teammates were experiencing the NCAA tournament for the first time. Freshmen Keaton Wagler, David Mirkovic, and Brandon Lee had never played in March Madness.
Ben Humrichous recalled his own first tournament last season in Milwaukee. He saw Stojakovic’s joy and said it lifted the whole group.
Stojakovic joked with guard Kylan Boswell about tournament records. The exchange underscored how much he valued the moment.
Coach’s expectations and player development
Coach Brad Underwood emphasized toughness and team success. He sought improved defense and rebounding from Stojakovic.
Underwood noted how coachable Stojakovic is and how hungry he remains for success. The staff pushed him beyond being merely a scorer.
Injuries, role and statistics
Stojakovic battled a knee injury in the fall. He also dealt with an ankle issue in early February.
Despite setbacks, he averaged 13.3 points this season. The 6-foot-7 guard emerged as the top scoring option off the bench.
He accepted a different role than he had at Cal. He focused on athleticism, defense, and team impact.
Supporting cast and surprises
The roster includes 7-foot twins Tomislav and Zvonimir Ivisic. Their presence added size and interior options.
The rise of freshmen Wagler and David Mirkovic proved a pleasant surprise. Their contributions played a crucial role in Illinois’ success.
Perspective and gratitude
Stojakovic said he would not change anything about this season. He described the camaraderie and closeness he found among teammates.
He thanked the coaching staff and embraced the full college experience. Stojakovic has clearly embraced the program’s complete experience in Illinois.
Reporting by Filmogaz.com.
