After a season each at Stanford and Cal, Andrej Stojakovic decided it was time for another change in his basketball journey. Entering the transfer portal after his sophomore year, he quickly narrowed his options to Illinois, UNC, and a potential return to Stanford. It didn’t take long for Stojakovic to choose Illinois, opting to play under head coach Brad Underwood, leaving UNC to wonder what might have been.
Illinois' investment in Stojakovic is already showing dividends. While specific details of the deal remain under wraps, it's evident that Underwood prioritized bringing Stojakovic to Champaign. The move has proven strategic, as Stojakovic has emerged as a key player for the Illini this season.
UNC, meanwhile, faced an early exit from the NCAA Tournament, and the absence of a player like Stojakovic might have contributed to their struggles. Despite having Caleb Wilson, whose injury before the tournament was a significant blow, UNC’s roster lacked the depth and experience that Stojakovic could have provided.
In the tournament, Stojakovic has been a standout, averaging 14.3 points per game. His performance peaked in the second round against VCU, where he scored 21 points, showcasing the impact he could have had for the Tar Heels.
As UNC searches for a new head coach, the focus will likely be on finding someone who can effectively utilize both high school recruiting and the transfer portal to rebuild the team. With the right strategy and players, the Tar Heels can aim to reclaim their status as a dominant force in college basketball.