Andrej Stojaković, Son of NBA Star Peja, Emerges as March Madness Hero for Illinois

The junior guard is making a name for himself after strong performances in the NCAA tournament.

Mar. 22, 2026 at 2:43am

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Andrej Stojaković, the son of former NBA star Peja Stojaković, has emerged as a key player for the Illinois Fighting Illini in the 2026 NCAA tournament. The 21-year-old junior guard has played for three different college teams in his career, most recently transferring to Illinois, where he is providing valuable bench production to help the team's tournament run.

Why it matters

Stojaković's success in the tournament highlights the rise of players from basketball families making a name for themselves on the national stage. As the son of a former NBA All-Star, Stojaković has the pedigree, but is forging his own path and proving he can be a difference-maker at the highest level of college basketball.

The details

Stojaković had a strong game in Illinois' 76-55 win over VCU in the tournament, scoring 21 points in 26 minutes off the bench. While he has come off the bench for most of the season, his performance shows the depth and talent of the Fighting Illini roster. Stojaković started his college career at Stanford in 2023-24, then transferred to Cal last season, before landing at Illinois this year, where he is averaging 13.3 points, 4.6 rebounds and 1.0 assists per game.

  • Stojaković started his college career at Stanford in 2023-24.
  • He transferred to Cal for the 2024-25 season.
  • Stojaković joined the Illinois Fighting Illini for the 2025-26 season.

The players

Andrej Stojaković

A 21-year-old junior guard for the Illinois Fighting Illini, who is the son of former NBA star Peja Stojaković.

Peja Stojaković

A former NBA All-Star who played parts of eight seasons for the Sacramento Kings and is the father of Andrej Stojaković.

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What they’re saying

“I think the main reasons were pretty clear to my inner circle as a basketball fit. Coach [Brad] Underwood has been very aggressive recruiting me from the start and constantly reiterating how much I'm wanted and needed as a basketball player there. They really believe I'm the missing piece to what they think is a national championship team.”

— Andrej Stojaković

What’s next

Andrej Stojaković and the Illinois Fighting Illini will continue their NCAA tournament run, looking to advance to the Sweet Sixteen and beyond.

The takeaway

Andrej Stojaković's emergence as a key player for Illinois in the NCAA tournament showcases the talent and potential of players from basketball families. As the son of former NBA star Peja Stojaković, Andrej is forging his own path and proving he can be a difference-maker at the highest level of college basketball.