Los Angeles Showdown: Andrej Stojakovic Returns with a Bang
In a thrilling display of skill and resilience, Andrej Stojakovic made his much-anticipated return to the court for Illinois, and he did not disappoint. After an 11-day hiatus due to an ankle injury, Stojakovic wasted no time in showing fans he's back and better than ever.
Just moments after entering the game, Stojakovic maneuvered off a Ben Humrichous screen, confidently planting on that once-injured left ankle. With a smooth pivot and a spin, he nailed a 12-foot fadeaway jumper, extending Illinois' early lead to 12-3. Clearly, his ankle was holding up just fine.
But it was midway through the second half that Stojakovic truly declared his return. Grabbing a rebound on the fastbreak, he took off from about eight feet out and delivered a thunderous right-handed dunk over USC's Jerry Easter II. It was a moment that not only electrified the crowd but also signaled that Stojakovic was back in full force.
In just 18 minutes of play, the 6-foot-7 wing managed to lead the game with 22 points, shooting an impressive 6-for-7 from the field and sinking all nine of his free throws. His performance was a key factor in Illinois' dominant 101-65 victory over USC at Galen Center.
Reflecting on his return, Stojakovic shared insights into his mindset during his time on the sidelines. "I was just glad to be out there," he said.
"I think when you don't put pressure on yourself, and you miss some time, your mindset kind of changes. So it was good."
Stojakovic's return not only boosts Illinois' lineup but also adds an exciting dynamic to their play. His ability to seamlessly integrate back into the game speaks volumes about his dedication and skill. As the season progresses, fans can look forward to more standout performances from this talented player.