In a surprising development, Illinois Fighting Illini guard Andrej Stojaković has entered his name into the 2026 NBA Draft. This declaration comes just days after Stojaković publicly announced his intention to return to college for his senior season, a move that had greatly pleased the team's supporters.
Stojaković, the son of three-time NBA All-Star Peja Stojaković, averaged 13.5 points and 4.5 rebounds last season. His decision has prompted widespread discussion among college basketball analysts. While some fans expressed dismay, many experts view this as a strategic step to gain valuable feedback from NBA scouts, potentially improving his draft stock for the future, even if he ultimately returns to Illinois.
This move allows Stojaković to test the NBA waters while maintaining his college eligibility. The feedback received could be crucial for his development, regardless of whether he stays in the draft or returns for his senior year with the Fighting Illini. His current ranking is around 94th on ESPN's draft prospect list, indicating he is not a guaranteed first-round pick.
