The name Stojakovic has been echoing through college basketball arenas across the country this season, and it’s bringing back memories for longtime NBA fans. Illinois Fighting Illini junior Andrej Stojakovic has been making headlines with his scoring prowess and clutch performances, particularly during the team’s Elite Eight run in the NCAA Tournament.
But for those wondering about the familiar surname, the connection to NBA history runs deeper than just a shared last name.
Andrej Stojakovic’s Illinois Stats and NBA Family Connection
Yes, Andrej Stojakovic is directly related to Peja Stojakovic. He is the son of the former NBA star who spent 13 years in the league, earning three All-Star selections with the Sacramento Kings and winning an NBA championship with the Dallas Mavericks in 2011. The family connection goes beyond just genetics.
Peja has been a constant presence at Illinois games this season, providing real-time feedback and guidance to his son from the stands.
“Having my dad over there who has been through it means a lot to me,” Andrej said after an Illinois game back in November. “Looking at him during timeouts, whether he is yelling at me or encouraging me, after the game, he’s always going to have points for my teammates and myself.”
This season with the Illini, Andrej has averaged 13.5 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 1.0 assists per game while shooting 49.5% from the field. While those numbers might not jump off the page, they don’t tell the complete story. The 6-foot-7 junior has been used in a variety of roles by head coach Brad Underwood, moving in and out of the starting lineup throughout the year.
His versatility and ability to provide instant offense off the bench have made him one of the Big Ten’s most valuable weapons.
Andrej’s path to Illinois has been anything but conventional. The Carmichael, California, native began his college career at Stanford in 2023-24, averaging 7.8 points and 3.4 rebounds as a freshman. After transferring to Cal Berkeley for his sophomore season, he exploded onto the national scene, leading the Golden Bears in scoring with 17.9 points per game while adding 4.7 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and 1.2 blocks.
Following that breakout campaign, he entered the transfer portal again and chose Illinois over North Carolina and a potential return to Stanford.
The NCAA Tournament has showcased his ability to rise to the occasion. After a quiet 9-point performance in the first-round victory over Penn, Andrej erupted for 21 points on 7-of-12 shooting against VCU in the second round. He followed that with 13 points on 5-of-8 shooting in Illinois’ Sweet 16 upset of Houston, helping hold the Cougars to a season-low 55 points.
His mother, Aleka Kamila, is a Greek model, former high jumper, and TV presenter, giving Andrej eligibility to represent Serbia (through his father), Greece (through his mother), or the United States internationally. The multicultural background has enriched his basketball education, exposing him to different styles and philosophies.
Current NBA Draft projections have Andrej as a potential late first-round to mid-second-round pick. Scouts have praised his size, scoring versatility, and defensive chops, though questions remain about his consistency from the 3-point line and overall athleticism.
The Sacramento Kings, where his father became a legend, have been mentioned as a potential landing spot, especially given Andrej’s familiarity with current Kings rookie Maxime Raynaud, his former Stanford teammate.
