Good News: Epochal Illinois Basketball Leaps in Jon Rothstein’s Top 45 After Andrej Stojakovic Signing
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – May 1, 2025
Illinois basketball just scored a major victory—not on the court, but in the recruiting battle. The Fighting Illini have officially secured a commitment from five-star transfer Andrej Stojakovic, son of former NBA All-Star Peja Stojakovic, sending shockwaves through the college basketball world. The impact was immediate: renowned CBS Sports analyst Jon Rothstein vaulted Illinois into his updated Top 45 rankings, citing the addition as “a program-defining move.”
The 6-foot-7 wing, who played last season at Stanford, brings elite scoring and high basketball IQ to an already promising Illinois roster. Stojakovic averaged 11.3 points, 4.8 rebounds, and shot 37% from three in his freshman campaign with the Cardinal. Known for his smooth shooting stroke and positional versatility, he fills a glaring need for the Illini on the perimeter.
“This is not just a transfer; it’s a statement,” Rothstein wrote on social media. “Illinois is serious about contending for the Big Ten title and beyond.”
Head coach Brad Underwood has quietly built a strong nucleus for the 2025–26 season, and with Stojakovic in the fold, expectations are soaring. Illinois now pairs one of the nation’s most talented wings with returning star Ty Rodgers and top-50 freshman Marcus Staley.
Recruiting insiders called the commitment “epochal”—a nod to the seismic shift it represents in Illinois’ recruiting prowess and national profile. For fans in Champaign, it signals a return to relevance not seen since the Dee Brown–Deron Williams era.
Stojakovic cited Illinois’ coaching staff, player development, and NIL infrastructure as major reasons for his decision. “It felt like home,” he said in an exclusive interview. “Coach Underwood’s vision for my role and growth was exactly what I was looking for.”
With the offseason still unfolding, Illinois may not be done. But one thing’s clear: the orange and blue are rising—and fast.
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