Andrej Stojaković Forges Own Path Beyond Famous NBA Father

Illinois' Final Four run is part of Stojaković finding his identity separate from Peja Stojaković's legacy.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 9:36pm

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A fractured, cubist-style painting depicting the dynamic movements and energy of a basketball player, with the player's face and uniform abstracted into geometric shapes and planes of color.Andrej Stojaković's dynamic performance has been a key part of Illinois' improbable Final Four run, as he forges his own path beyond his famous NBA father's legacy.Indianapolis Today

Illinois wing Andrej Stojaković is trying to forge his own path beyond the legacy of his father, three-time NBA All-Star Peja Stojaković. Andrej has made a name for himself during Illinois' run to the Final Four, averaging 15 points on 59.5% shooting and three rebounds in the four tournament games. He has done it with a smooth, athletic, downhill game that is different from his dad's lethal shooting ability.

Why it matters

Andrej Stojaković has dealt with the pressure and expectation of living up to his father's NBA stardom his entire life. As Illinois has garnered more attention during the tournament, Peja has declined interviews, wanting the focus to be on Andrej establishing his own identity as a player.

The details

Andrej admitted there's a pressure in trying to make his own way in a game his father played so well, but it's nothing new. Both of Andrej's parents have helped him with his career, with his mother supporting him mentally and his father offering advice without interfering. Andrej has battled injuries this season but has become a crucial player for Illinois down the stretch, providing a scoring spark off the bench and playing strong defense.

  • Andrej Stojaković transferred to Illinois after a freshman season at Stanford and a sophomore season as the leading scorer at California.
  • Andrej has averaged 15 points on 59.5% shooting and three rebounds during Illinois' four-game run to the Final Four.

The players

Andrej Stojaković

A 6-foot-7 junior wing for the Illinois basketball team who is trying to forge his own path beyond the legacy of his father, three-time NBA All-Star Peja Stojaković.

Peja Stojaković

Andrej's father, who was a lethal shooter during his 13-year NBA career and is second all-time in 3-pointers made for the Sacramento Kings.

Aleka Kamila

Andrej's mother, who has helped him when he has struggled mentally with his confidence or the pressure he faces.

Brad Underwood

The head coach of the Illinois basketball team.

Geoff Alexander

An Illinois assistant coach and recruiting coordinator.

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What they’re saying

“I'm sure nobody can put themselves in his shoes. That's a lot to live up to. Peja was one of the best players in the world and a guy that has won. For him to have to live in his footsteps, I think he's done an unbelievable job.”

— Geoff Alexander, Illinois assistant coach and recruiting coordinator

“He's very secure in his own skin. He knows he's Andrej Stojaković and not the son of Peja Stojaković. He's trying to carve out his own path, his own lane, his own identity. It's a beautiful thing to see.”

— Geoff Alexander, Illinois assistant coach and recruiting coordinator

“Throughout my life, I've dealt with when I was younger, stretches of not being around him, him being on the road so much. When he lived in different cities, me visiting on the weekends. We have a really good relationship of when I'm busy, he lets me experience things on my own and not really get in the way.”

— Andrej Stojaković

What’s next

Andrej Stojaković and the Illinois Illini will face the UConn Huskies in the Final Four on Saturday, April 5th at 5:09 PM local time in Indianapolis.

The takeaway

Andrej Stojaković has embraced the challenge of forging his own basketball identity separate from his famous NBA father, Peja Stojaković. His strong play in the NCAA Tournament has helped Illinois reach the Final Four for the first time since 2005, showcasing his ability to be a key contributor on a winning team.