Illini Wing Andrej Stojakovic rated as a top-5 wing nationally

CBS Sports’ Isaac Trotter recently put out a list of the top players of college basketball at each position. Two players from the Illinois basketball team made the list. One of those players is newcomer Andrej Stojakovic, who Trotter ranked fifth in the category of “true wing”. Stojakovic joined a group rounded out by some elite players, including the likely first overall pick in the 2026 NBA draft, AJ Dybantsa. Stojakovic has surprisingly been one of the more under-the-radar gets for the Illini this past offseason. After a strange start to the offseason with rising sophomore Morez Johnson Jr. entering the transfer portal, Illinois acted quickly and added several exciting, talented players.

The focus seemed to be on the overseas guys and Zvonimir Ivisic, particulary David Mirkovic and Mihailo Petrovic. Mirkovic and Petrovic both took some time to arrive to campus, however, many are overlooking how important Stojakovic is to the Illini’s success. Andrej Stojakovic has two years of college basketball experience and has to emerge as the go-to scorer for Illinois.

Primed for a breakout season

Like Terrence Shannon Jr. did when he came to Illinois, I fully expect Andrej Stojakovic to take a leap. First off, he will be playing alongside better talent than he ever has. Having an extremely experienced backcourt in Mihailo Petrovic and Kylan Boswell will help Stojakovic carry less of a ball-handler role like he did at Cal. Additionally, center Tomislav Ivisic is expected to be a focal point of the offense and one of the best players in the country. Stojakovic is an extremely underrated cutter and is an excellent finisher around the rim.

Like Will Riley and Tre White did last year, Stojakovic will get easy baskets off of cuts to the rim due to Ivisic’s presence and passing ability. Stojakovic has never been on a winning team, and the Big Ten presents tougher competition than the ACC and PAC-12. However, his talent is undeniable. If all goes well, look for Andrej Stojakovic to become a household name by season’s end.

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