While a lot has changed in college basketball over the past several years with NIL and the transfer portal, players testing the NBA waters continues to be commonplace.
The 2026 NBA Draft’s NCAA withdrawal deadline is tonight at 11:59 p.m. ET, and several big names are still undecided on their future plans. Among the undecided is Illinois guard Andrej Stojakovic, who played a vital role in Illinois' Final Four run this past season.
No matter what the 6'7" playmaker decides, Indiana is sure to feel the ripple effects.
How Andrej Stojakovic's NBA Draft decision impacts the Indiana Hoosiers
Stojakovic initially announced his intention to return to Champaign for his senior season about a month ago. However, he quickly changed his tune a few days later by declaring for the NBA Draft. With one year of college eligibility remaining, Stojakovic has until tonight's deadline to decide whether he officially declares to the NBA Draft or pulls his name out and returns to the Fighting Illini.
The one thing that could make or break Indiana's second season under Darian DeVries
If he decides to head off to the NBA Draft, Hoosier basketball fans won't be sad to see him go. Stojakovic's well-rounded and versatile skill set makes him a constant threat on both end of the floor. He averaged 13.6 points and 4.4 rebounds per game during the regular season, and earned NCAA Tournament All-South Region Team honors after averaging 13.8 points and 4.0 rebounds in the NCAA Tournament.
The Hoosiers and Fighting Illini are slated to meet in Bloomington this upcoming season. Stojakovic missed the rivalry matchup this past season with an ankle injury, but if he is back, he figures to give Darian DeVries and Indiana even more to worry about when facing an Illinois program that is among the best in the country under head coach Brad Underwood.
Illinois remains a constant threat under Brad Underwood
Underwood has built a steady winner in Champaign. He has taken the Fighting Illini to the NCAA Tournament in six consecutive seasons, and after reaching the Final Four this past season, Illinois seems poised to make another Final Four run in 2026-27.
Several top playmakers are back in Champaign, and incoming transfer guard Stefan Vaaks figures to make an immediate impact after a sensational freshman season with Providence. IU fans are hoping this year's matchup yields a different result than last season's 71-51 loss to the Fighting Illini on February 15.
The loss kick-started a four-game losing streak for the Hoosiers, and started a stretch that saw Indiana go 1-6 down the stretch. After looking like a surefire NCAA Tournament team before facing the Fighting Illini, Indiana's woes to close out the season proved to be too much to overcome. IU ended up missing out on March Madness for the third consecutive season.
Illinois will be a tough matchup whether or not Stojakovic is in the mix, but not having to worry about him would be a welcome sight for Indiana basketball fans.
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