Andrej Stojaković will return to Illinois next season after withdrawing his name from the NBA draft

Colleen Kane, Chicago Tribune on May 27, 2026

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CHICAGO — Andrej Stojaković is withdrawing his name from the NBA draft and will return to Illinois for his senior season.

Stojaković made the announcement on social media Wednesday. His return means the Illini will have five key pieces of their Final Four team back for the 2026-27 season.

The 6-foot-7 wing first announced his return to Illinois on April 17 but then declared for the draft while maintaining his eligibility. He said at the NBA draft combine in mid-May that he was “both feet in” the draft process. He was hoping to gain feedback from NBA teams about his longtime dream before making a decision.

But he maintained that returning to Illinois would be a “one-of-a-kind” opportunity given the depth of experience the Illini are bringing back. Starters David Mirković, Tomislav Ivišić and Jake Davis and key reserve Zvonimir Ivišić also will return and will be joined by Providence transfer Stefan Vaaks and a highly regarded freshman class.

“That’s the goal — go back to the Final Four and then strive for a national championship,” Stojaković said on May 13. “Understanding what we have back at Illinois is extremely special, I’ve just got to make the right decision.”

Stojaković is expected to be a major driver toward that goal with guards Keaton Wagler and Kylan Boswell off to the NBA draft. His return could place the Illini among the top 10 — if not top five — in preseason national rankings.

In his first season at Illinois after transferring from California, he averaged 13.5 points and 4.5 rebounds. He provided a key ability to get to the basket and also played crucial defense.

Another season in Champaign also will give Stojaković a chance to boost his draft stock. ESPN’s last mock draft had him as the No. 50 pick after a season in which he shot just 20 for 82 (24.4%) from 3-point range. He acknowledged he needs to prove to teams he has the ability to score from anywhere, and he hopes quicker decision-making on when to shoot will help that quest.

“Another year of proving what I can do, coming back even more ready next year if I do decide to go to school,” he said. “One thing I showed this year is being able to adjust my role and make an impact when I’m not having the ball constantly like I’m used to it.”

At the combine, Stojaković spoke glowingly of his time at Illinois, including the fan support in the midst of the program’s first Final Four run since 2005. Now he hopes to build on that run.

“I knew our fans were crazy and so in tune with our program,” he said. “But the love that we received ever since we (won) the Elite Eight game and made it to the Final Four, it’s been a surreal experience.

“Going to class, having people clap for us. We haven’t even been able to walk around Champaign or go to grocery stores or restaurants. We’d all love to take a moment and embrace it at some point.

“If I go back, I’m looking forward to seeing everybody playing at State Farm once again. And I know moving forward for the rest of our lives, if we go back there, it’s going to be all love.”

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