Andrej Stojakovic Declares for NBA Draft After Reversing Illinois Return Promise

Andrej Stojakovic entered the NBA Draft, reversing his prior commitment to return to Illinois and altering the team's projected roster for the upcoming season.

Andrej Stojakovic, a significant contributor for Illinois this past season, declared for the NBA Draft. This decision comes after he had publicly announced his intention to return to the Illinois program earlier this month. The reversal introduces an unexpected variable into the team's offseason plans, especially as Illinois had largely completed its roster construction, including retaining several key players and adding transfers.

During the recently concluded season, Stojakovic averaged 13.5 points and 4.5 rebounds per game for Illinois. His performance established him as a notable player within the college ranks. Despite this production, his current NBA Draft projections place him lower on draft boards. ESPN ranks him No. 94 on its Best Available list and does not include him on its updated Top 100 Big Board. These projections indicate a potential gap between his current standing and a guaranteed NBA roster spot.

Stojakovic's declaration allows him to participate in pre-draft workouts and interviews, a process vital for gaining professional evaluation. This opportunity provides direct feedback from NBA teams regarding his draft stock and areas for development, crucial for any player considering a professional career. While he has entered the draft, college players frequently withdraw their names before the NCAA's deadline to retain eligibility. This scenario remains an option for Stojakovic, potentially allowing him to return to Illinois for the next college basketball season. Illinois, which had aimed to build on a successful previous season and eyed a potential Top 5 national ranking, now faces a period of uncertainty regarding a key component of its planned lineup.

Observers will monitor whether Stojakovic ultimately remains in the NBA Draft pool or returns to Illinois, a decision that will significantly impact both his professional trajectory and the Illinois team's final composition for the upcoming season.