Illini wing Andrej Stojakovic remains a game-time decision vs USC Trojans

Illini wing Andrej Stojakovic suffered a high-ankle sprain in the road loss vs Michigan State on February 7th. Though Stojakovic played the remainder of the game, he experienced significant pain and swelling throughout the next few days, which prompted him to miss the home game vs Wisconsin. Andrej then went on to miss the Sunday home game vs Indiana, and Brad Underwood seemed to suggest that the ankle injury is a bit more serious than what most had thought.

After the win, Underwood stated, “Andrej Stojakovic is still coming back. You’ve got to be able to do it in practice and have that healthy. My biggest concern is the health of us long-term. If that means he needs to stay at home from LA and live in hyperbaric, we’ll do that.”

Despite that, Stojakovic was seen getting on the plane in some photos on the official Illini Men’s Basketball social media account. The day prior to the matchup vs USC, Underwood stated that Andrej Stojakovic did some light work in practice and will be a game-time decision.

Stojakovic averages 13.7 points per game and 4.6 rebounds per game for the Illini. Illinois could certainly use his length and athleticism to guard USC players Chad Baker-Mazzara and Alijah Arenas. However, these kind of injuries should not be rushed as Stojakovic needs to be fully healthy for the Illini’s postseason play more than anything. If Stojakovic is out, expect heavy minutes for Ben Humrichous, Kylan Boswell, and Jake Davis.

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