By Nikola Miloradovic / info@eurohoops.net
With a growing wave of European talent entering the NCAA, Illinois has landed five Balkan players — enough to form a full starting lineup. Among them is Andrej Stojaković, son of legendary sharpshooter Peja Stojaković.
While Andrej’s national team future remains unclear — he’s eligible to play for both Serbia and Greece — his college coach has no doubt about his potential.
“I don’t like comparing him to his dad,” said Illinois head coach Brad Underwood at the Dušan Ivković Basketball Clinic in Belgrade, per Meridian sport. “His dad is obviously one of the all-time greats, not only in Europe and here, but in the NBA. He’s a three-time All-Star. Andrej’s a different player. He’s not the shooter his dad was, but he’s very athletic, strong, and has a great frame. He plays downhill more with the ball. I think he’s a pro.”
Underwood believes Andrej has what it takes to follow in his father’s footsteps and reach the NBA, just like Peja, who was the 14th overall pick in the 1996 NBA Draft.
“He’ll be a guy that can be a first-round draft pick. I really believe that.”
Next season, Andrej will suit up for Illinois alongside Serbian guard Mihailo Petrović, Croatian twins Zvonimir and Tomislav Ivišić, and Montenegrin big man David Mirković. Underwood also praised Petrović, a former Partizan and Mega Basket player.
“He’s a competitor, a winner, and a really smart player. He elevates his teammates and can make every pass. He’s a maestro in pick-and-roll situations and makes great decisions. He’s also very quick, which helps him create a lot of offensive advantages. He’ll pair really well with our frontcourt guys — the Ivišić twins and Mirković.”
The experienced coach also reflected on the new era of college basketball, particularly the impact of NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) rights and the increasing presence of international players.
“I’m a big fan of the NIL. Players should be able to profit from their name, image, and likeness. The world is changing, and so is college basketball. The NCAA is still adapting, but it’s all for the good of the game. Bringing in international players is making college basketball better than ever,” Underwood concluded.