Illinois basketball with ominous injury report one week before major matchup

Illinois basketball plays Texas Tech University at home on November 11th. The Red Raiders are ranked 11th in KenPom and 10th in the overall rankings. They are certainly a Final-Four contender, and they mark the first real test that the Illini will face in their difficult non-conference schedule. However, the Illini will likely be missing some key pieces for the Marquee matchup in Champaign. In the season opener vs Jackson State, four players sat out with injuries. Ty Rodgers, Brandon Lee, Mihailo Petrovic, and Andrej Stojakovic all sat with nagging lower extremity injuries.

Rodgers and Lee are likely out long-term. Rodgers suffered a knee injury early in the summer and underwent surgery. Brandon Lee was spectacular in the season exhibition; however, he rolled his ankle just before the season opener. Lee was seen in a walking boot on crutches and will certainly miss a few games. Stojakovic was seen warming up before the game and was a game-time decision.

The Illini have to build chemistry fast

Even if Stojakovic and Petrovic return against Texas Tech, they will not have much time to settle back in. In fact, it may be their first game action in quite some time, particularly for Andrej Stojakovic. Stojakovic has missed the past few months of practice due to a knee sprain. On top of Petrovic and Stojakovic, Tomislav Ivisic has also missed some time after undergoing surgery on his tonsils. In all, Illinois basketball will have to regroup quickly if they are to survive their difficult non-conference schedule. Hopefully, both Petrovic and Stojakovic will be available to get their feet wet on November 7th against Florida Gulf Coast.

Confirmed that in addition to Mihailo Petrovic (and Ty Rodgers) G Brandon Lee and F Andrej Stojakovic will miss tonight’s season opener vs Jackson State

Reminder that Illinois plays top ranked Texas Tech in 8 days https://t.co/wLpXKZkcWc pic.twitter.com/Gzb0qZ1dRp

— Armchair Illinois (@ArmchairIllini) November 4, 2025

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