Andrej Stojakovic Enters 2026 NBA Draft but Keeps College Eligibility

Apr 26, 2026, 17:54

Introduction

Andrej Stojakovic, a guard for the University of Illinois, has announced his intention to enter the 2026 NBA Draft, although he still has the option to return to college basketball.

Main Body

According to ESPN, Stojakovic submitted his declaration before the Friday deadline. This move allows the 6-foot-7 player to be evaluated by professional scouts, but he can still withdraw his name and keep his college eligibility until May 27. This decision comes after he previously stated on social media on April 17 that he intended to stay with the Illinois program. Stojakovic is the second Illinois player to enter the 2026 draft process, following freshman guard Keaton Wagler. However, there is a difference in how scouts view the two players; while Wagler is expected to be a lottery pick, Stojakovic is currently projected to be selected in the second round. During his first season at Illinois, Stojakovic averaged 13.5 points and 4.5 rebounds per game. He achieved a career-high field goal percentage of 50 percent, but his three-point shooting dropped to 24 percent. These numbers were affected by a preseason knee injury that kept him out of action for seven weeks. Despite this, Head Coach Brad Underwood praised Stojakovic for adapting quickly and contributing to both offense and defense, while his performance during the Final Four run earned him an All-Region honor.

Conclusion

Andrej Stojakovic has officially started the NBA draft process, but he remains eligible to return to Illinois if he decides to withdraw by May 27.

Vocabulary Learning

adapt (v.)

to adjust to new conditions or circumstances適應

Example:He adapted quickly to the team's defensive scheme.

eligible (adj.)

qualified / allowed to participate in a particular activity合資格的；有資格的

Example:He is still eligible to play for his college team.

preseason (n.)

the period before the official season, often used for training and exhibition games季前

Example:The preseason was disrupted by his knee injury.

scouts (n.)

people who evaluate players for professional teams評估球員的專業人士

Example:Professional scouts are watching his performance closely.

withdraw (v.)

to remove oneself from a competition or commitment退出；撤回

Example:He can withdraw his name from the draft before the deadline.

Sentence Learning

These numbers were affected by a preseason knee injury that kept him out of action for seven weeks.

Relative Clause: This clause provides additional information about the injury that caused the numbers to be affected.關係子句: 此子句提供關於造成數字受影響的傷害的額外資訊。

This move allows the 6-foot-7 player to be evaluated by professional scouts, but he can still withdraw his name and keep his college eligibility until May 27.

Passive Voice: The phrase 'to be evaluated' is in passive form, indicating the player is the recipient of the evaluation.被動語態: 短語 'to be evaluated' 使用被動形式，表示該球員是評估的對象。

Despite this, Head Coach Brad Underwood praised Stojakovic for adapting quickly and contributing to both offense and defense, while his performance during the Final Four run earned him an All-Region honor.

Contrast Linking Words: 'Despite' and 'while' are used to show contrast between two ideas.對比連接詞: 'Despite' 和 'while' 用來顯示兩個想法之間的對比。

He remains eligible to return to Illinois if he decides to withdraw by May 27.

Conditional Clause: The clause 'if he decides to withdraw by May 27' expresses a condition that must be met.條件子句: 子句 'if he decides to withdraw by May 27' 表示必須滿足的條件。

Stojakovic submitted his declaration before the Friday deadline.

Prepositional Phrase: 'before the Friday deadline' indicates when the action took place.介係詞片語: 'before the Friday deadline' 表示動作發生的時間。