I don’t know how he does it, but Brad Underwood always finds a way to win the off-season. Whether it’s through the transfer portal, or from overseas; the former SF Austin Head Coach has been a MAD MAN when it comes to recruiting for the Illini. It’s a weird talent that he has, and it has been on full-display ever since his team’s DISMAL loss to Kentucky ended their season.

It has been an absolute WHIRLWIND so far for this program. But just the other day, it looks like Underwood nabbed arguably his most high-profile transfer of the year…

NEWS: Cal transfer Andrej Stojakovic, one of the best available players in the portal, has committed to Illinois, he told ESPN.

“They believe I’m the missing piece to a national championship team.” pic.twitter.com/CnNxeliBKc

— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) April 28, 2025

That is right, basketball fans; ANDREJ STOJAKOVIĆ IS COMING TO CHAMPAIGN! The son of NBA great Peja Stojaković will be joining the navy and orange this upcoming season, and he will have a chance to become a PIVOTAL PART of this squad.

Stojaković, for those of you who aren’t aware, is a 6’7″ junior who is transferring to Illinois from California. In his 29-games with the Golden Bears, the dynamic shooting guard was able to put up a stat-line consisting of;

17.9 PPG, 4.7 RPG, 1.8 APG, 42.7 FG%

He was one of the most highly-coveted players in the portal this season, after leading a disappointing Golden Bears squad in points per game the previous year. His high level scoring, and great ability to finish at the rim, have been a few of the biggest factors for the young Stojakovic’s success in college. This is especially true when it comes to the 37 points that he dropped against the Stanford Cardinals in the second round of the 2025 ACC Tournament:

Andrej Stojakovic puts up a career-high against Stanford:

37 PTS | 13-22 FG | 4-7 3PT | 5 REB pic.twitter.com/ODtk96csQx

— B/R Hoops (@brhoops) March 13, 2025

This kid is something special. At such a young age, against some of the best players in the country……Andrej Stojakovic has proven that he can lead a team. He has proven that he can be “THE GUY” in college basketball, and lead a team when they need him the most. So to pair him with a proven veteran like Kylan Boswell, and Mihailo Petrovic in the back court……it just SOUNDS LIKE a recipe for success!

Brad Underwood’s program is quickly turning into “International U,” bringing in guys from all over the globe who have great experience against pro-level talent. The only thing left that he needs to do though is…..bring in someone who’s good with the X’s and O’s. For far too long, this man has won the off-season…..but has disappointed in the post-season. Whether you’re looking at the UConn game from two years ago, or the Kentucky game last season…..this man has had a tough time putting his stacked rosters to good use.

Hopefully that changes this year with Stojakovic coming over. But in the end, as always…..what do I know? I’m just a guy from the Midwest, with a beer and a laptop, trying to make sense of this world.