Illinois Advances to Final Four with Cowboy Flair

Illini star Andrej Stojakovic celebrates team's big win with a Texas-themed accessory.

Mar. 29, 2026 at 5:20am

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The Illinois men's basketball team punched their ticket to the Final Four with a hard-fought victory, and star player Andrej Stojakovic marked the occasion by wearing a cowboy hat - a nod to the team's Texas-based opponent. Stojakovic reflected on the depth and focus that has carried the Illini to this point, as they now set their sights on the national championship.

Why it matters

Illinois' run to the Final Four has captivated fans across the state, as the team aims to bring home the school's first NCAA title since 2005. Stojakovic's cowboy hat celebration is a lighthearted moment that connects the team's Midwest roots to their big game in Texas, building excitement for the upcoming national semifinals.

The details

After Illinois defeated their Texas-based opponent to clinch a spot in the Final Four, star player Andrej Stojakovic was spotted wearing a cowboy hat during the postgame celebration. Stojakovic, who has been a driving force behind the Illini's deep tournament run, wanted to have a bit of fun with the team's Texas connection while also keeping the focus on their collective goal of winning a national championship.

  • Illinois defeated their opponent on March 26, 2026 to advance to the Final Four.
  • The 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Final Four will take place in Houston, Texas on April 4-6.

The players

Andrej Stojakovic

A junior forward for the Illinois Fighting Illini men's basketball team, Stojakovic has been a key contributor to the team's success this season.

Illinois Fighting Illini

The men's basketball team from the University of Illinois, who are making their first Final Four appearance since 2005.

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What they’re saying

“I don't know. What does it mean, being a cowboy?”

— Andrej Stojakovic, Illinois Forward

What’s next

The Illini will face the winner of the other semifinal matchup in the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball National Championship game on April 6th.

The takeaway

Stojakovic's lighthearted cowboy hat celebration captures the joy and excitement of Illinois' unexpected Final Four run, as the team looks to bring home the school's first national title in over 20 years.