Illinois’ Andrej Stojakovic announces he’s returning next season

Junior Andrej Stojakovic announced on Instagram Friday that he will return to Illinois for the 2026-27 season.

Stojakovic was the Illini's second-leading scorer, averaging 13.5 points on 50% shooting. He scored in double figures 19 times with eight 20-point games, led by a season-high 30 points vs. Maryland. Stojakovic also averaged 4.5 rebounds and made better than 80% from the free-throw line.

Stojakovic excelled in the NCAA Tournament, averaging 13.8 points on 55.3% shooting and earning a spot on the NCAA All-South Regional Team during Illinois' run to the Final Four.

Stojakovic joins freshman David Mirkovic, who announced his return Wednesday afternoon, and juniors Tomislav Ivisic, Zvonimir Ivisic, and Jake Davis, who announced their return Wednesday evening.

Coach Brad Underwood's Illini now features five players returning from last season's eight-man rotation, including all but one with remaining eligibility. The other, freshman Keaton Wagler, declared for the NBA Draft on Saturday.