When it comes to building a winning team, championship DNA is often the secret ingredient. The Illinois Fighting Illini have hit the jackpot by bringing in Andrej Stojaković, a rising star with a pedigree that's hard to match.
Andrej is the son of NBA legend Peja Stojakovic, a sharpshooter who left his mark with teams like the Sacramento Kings and Dallas Mavericks. Peja was the 14th pick in the 1996 NBA Draft and notched three All-Star appearances with the Kings. But his crowning achievement came in 2011 when he helped the Mavericks topple the Miami Heat's powerhouse trio in the NBA Finals.
Now, Andrej is carving out his own path in the 2026 March Madness tournament, with his father often in the stands, offering guidance and support. Standing at 6-foot-7, the Serbian-Greek guard has become a key player for Illinois, showcasing his skills and leadership.
As Illinois heads into the Elite Eight, Andrej is the team’s third-leading scorer, averaging 13.9 points per game with an impressive 49.5% shooting accuracy. He's notched eight games with 20 or more points, highlighting his scoring prowess.
Let’s take a closer look at his tournament performance so far:
- First Round vs. Penn: 9 points, 3-of-8 shooting, three rebounds, one assist.
- Second Round vs. VCU: 21 points, 7-of-12 shooting, four rebounds, one assist, one block.
- Sweet 16 vs. Houston: 13 points, 5-of-8 shooting, two assists, one steal.
Despite his impressive lineage and standout performances, Andrej remains grounded. After a stellar 21-point game, he shared his team-first mentality in a post-game conference, emphasizing the collective effort of newcomers and veterans alike.
Transferring from Cal, Andrej is a firm believer in the Illini program and Coach Brad Underwood. "We came here for a reason," he stated, underscoring their commitment to hard work and intensity.
With his combination of talent, humility, and a championship legacy, Andrej Stojakovic is a name to watch as Illinois continues its March Madness journey.