Illinois' X-Factor vs. UConn: The Player Who Could Decide the Final Four

Andrej Stojakovic has been a key reserve for the Illini, providing scoring punch and lockdown defense

Apr. 2, 2026 at 11:34pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A cubist, geometric painting depicting the action of a basketball game, with overlapping planes and shapes representing the players, the ball, and the court. The image captures the energy and intensity of the matchup between Illinois and UConn.Stojakovic's scoring punch and defensive intensity could be the key to Illinois' upset bid against UConn in the Final Four.Houston Today

Illinois wing Andrej Stojakovic, a highly touted transfer from Cal, has emerged as a key player off the bench for the Illini in the NCAA Tournament. After struggling to find his role earlier in the season, Stojakovic has embraced his new reserve role and is now averaging 15 points per game in the tournament on 59.5% shooting. His ability to score and play stifling defense will be crucial as Illinois takes on UConn in the Final Four.

Why it matters

Stojakovic's performance could be the difference-maker for Illinois against a tough UConn team. The Illini will need his scoring punch and defensive intensity to overcome the Huskies' stingy defense, which limited Stojakovic to just 3 points in their earlier matchup.

The details

Stojakovic, a 6'8" wing, has been a revelation for Illinois in the NCAA Tournament. After an up-and-down regular season, the coaching staff moved him to a reserve role, and he has thrived in that new position. Stojakovic is averaging 15 points per game in the tournament on an impressive 59.5% shooting. He has provided a scoring punch off the bench to complement Illinois' perimeter-oriented stars. On the defensive end, Stojakovic has also been a lockdown defender, using his size and athleticism to disrupt opposing offenses.

  • In the first matchup between Illinois and UConn back in November, Stojakovic scored just 3 points.
  • Since then, Stojakovic has emerged as a key reserve for Illinois, averaging 15 points per game in the NCAA Tournament.

The players

Andrej Stojakovic

A 6'8" wing and highly touted transfer from Cal, Stojakovic has been a revelation off the bench for Illinois in the NCAA Tournament, providing scoring punch and lockdown defense.

Keaton Wagler

The UConn freshman guard, who is now an All-American, played just 14 minutes and scored 3 points in the first matchup against Illinois.

Brad Underwood

The head coach of the Illinois Fighting Illini, who moved Stojakovic to a reserve role, a decision that has paid dividends in the tournament.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The winner of the Illinois-UConn matchup will advance to the national championship game on April 7th.

The takeaway

Stojakovic's emergence as a key reserve has been crucial for Illinois in the tournament. His ability to provide scoring punch and lockdown defense will be essential as the Illini look to upset UConn and advance to the national championship game.