Just days after announcing his return to Illinois for his senior year of college eligibility, Fighting Illini guard Andrej Stojaković has declared for the NBA Draft. The decision will certainly come as a shock to Illinois fans as they wait and see whether one of the team’s key players returns to the program next season.
Stojaković, who is the son of former NBA star Peja Stojaković, averaged 13.5 points and 4.5 rebounds for Illinois last season while shooting 50.0% from the field. His father played for several teams, including the Sacramento Kings and New Orleans Hornets, in an NBA career spanning 14 seasons. He was also a 3-time NBA All-Star.
College Basketball Analysts React to Andrej Stojaković Declaring For The NBA Draft
It was announced last week that Stojaković would be returning to Illinois for his senior year. He even recorded an “I’m back” video, delighting Illinois fans who hope to witness another deep March Madness run from the team next season.
But on Sunday, it was announced that Stojaković has declared for the NBA Draft while maintaining his college eligibility. The news was shared by college basketball insider Jeff Borzello.
“Illinois’ Andrej Stojaković has entered his name into the NBA draft, sources told ESPN, leaving open the option to return to the Fighting Illini. He was an All-Region selection during Illinois’ run to the Final Four,” Borzello wrote on X.
NEWS: Illinois’ Andrej Stojakovic has entered his name into the NBA draft, sources told ESPN, leaving open the option to return to the Fighting Illini. He was an All-Region selection during Illinois’ run to the Final Four.
— Jeff Borzello (@jeffborzello) April 26, 2026
Some Illinois fans were left surprised by the decision, including writer Brandon Bender.
“What in the hell…?” he wrote.
What in the hell…? https://t.co/63MkoMBArG
— Brandon Bender (@brandonmbender) April 26, 2026
Sports director and broadcaster Andy Moore shared his take on the news of Stojaković declaring for the NBA Draft.
“Welp. That return hype may be short lived,” he wrote.
Illinois college sports analyst Jeremy Werner still expects Stojaković to return to Illinois next season.
“Always was an option. Stojaković is not currently a projected draft pick and would have more guaranteed money in college. Doesn’t hurt to go through the process,” he wrote.
College basketball content creator Ant Wright believes that Stojaković could be looking to test the NBA Draft waters with several projected first-round picks deciding to stay in college for another year.
“Sometimes it takes up to 48 hours to process even though the deadline was Thursday night, After seeing a few 1st rounders return, some see an opportunity to rise up draft boards.. could have a big year if he’s back at Illinois,” he wrote.
Chicago sports analyst Dave Wischnowsky expressed surprise at the news but added that this could help Stojaković get feedback on areas he needs to improve, even if he doesn’t get picked in the NBA Draft this year.
“Surprising, but not a bad idea to get NBA feedback so Andrej knows exactly what to work on this season,” he wrote.
Surprising, but not a bad idea to get NBA feedback so Andrej knows exactly what to work on this season. https://t.co/c65aIA7njd
— Dave Wischnowsky (@wischlist) April 26, 2026
Illinois sports writer Sahil Mittal had similar thoughts and backed Stojaković to take some lessons from the process that he can implement when he returns to Illinois next season.
“Stojaković isn’t projected to be drafted this year, but going through the draft process doesn’t hurt. He’ll get feedback from NBA teams that he can apply during his senior season at Illinois as he hopes to improve his stock for the 2027 draft,” he penned on X.
Stojaković isn’t projected to be drafted this year, but going through the draft process doesn’t hurt.
He’ll get feedback from NBA teams that he can apply during his senior season at #Illinois as he hopes to improve his stock for the 2027 draft. https://t.co/XxaWj9j8Yg
— Sahil Mittal (@sahil_mittal24) April 26, 2026
Illinois sports insider Ryan Evan Schroat rubbished the criticism Stojaković has received from Fighting Illini fans for his decision.
“The morons complaining or calling him selfish. Get a life and take a hike. Getting feedback on what scouts and teams want him to work on next year in Champaign isn’t bad. This isn’t something many human beings get to do. Been told its slim to none he stays in draft,” he wrote.
The morons complaining or calling him selfish. Get a life and take a hike.
Getting feedback on what scouts and teams want him to work on next year in Champaign isnt bad. This isnt something many human beings get to do. Been told its slim to none he stays in draft. #illini https://t.co/HwSiWFhqWP
— Ryan Evan Schroat (@200ColumnsRy) April 26, 2026
It will be interesting to see how much interest Stojaković generates ahead of the NBA Draft. He is currently ranked 94th on ESPN’s list of draft prospects.
