Andrej Stojakovic is building his own college basketball profile at Illinois, but the family name still carries immediate weight because his father, Peja Stojakovic, was one of the NBA’s best shooters of his era and one of the most accomplished international players of his generation. Andrej is averaging 13.6 points and 4.4 rebounds for the Illini in 2025-26, giving fans a current reason to revisit the Stojakovic name.
1. Andrej Stojakovic Is Making a Name for Himself at Illinois
Stojakovic is not just drawing attention because of his last name. He has become a real contributor for Illinois this season, averaging 13.6 points, 4.4 rebounds and 1.0 assists while shooting 50.3% from the field. He is listed as a 6-foot-7 junior guard from Carmichael, California.
That matters because this is not a case of a famous former player’s son sitting quietly at the end of the bench. Andrej has had a visible role for an Illinois team that reached the 2026 Final Four, and he scored 17 points in the Elite Eight win over Iowa and made the South Region All-Tournament team.
GettySacramento Kings’ forward-guard Peja Stojakovic pumps his fist after sinking a three pointer against the Utah Jazz during the fourth period of game one of the Western Conference 20 April 2002 at the ARCO Arena in Sacramento, California. The Kings defeated the Jazz, 89-86. AFP PHOTO/John G. MABANGLO (Photo by JOHN G. MABANGLO / AFP) (Photo credit should read JOHN G. MABANGLO/AFP via Getty Images)
2. Peja Stojakovic Was a 3-Time NBA All-Star and One of the League’s Elite Shooters
Peja Stojakovic had the kind of NBA career that still makes fans stop when they hear the surname. According to Basketball-Reference, he was a 3-time All-Star, made All-NBA Second Team in 2003-04, and finished his career as the kind of perimeter scorer who could swing games with his shooting alone.
He was especially known for his years with the Sacramento Kings, where he became one of the league’s most feared floor spacers in an era before high-volume three-point shooting became standard. That resume is a big reason Andrej’s name instantly stands out to older NBA fans.
GettyOKLAHOMA CITY, OK – MAY 21: Kevin Durant #35 of the Oklahoma City Thunder looks to pass against Peja Stojakovic #16 of the Dallas Mavericks in the first quarter in Game Three of the Western Conference Finals during the 2011 NBA Playoffs at Oklahoma City Arena on May 21, 2011 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
3. Peja Also Won an NBA Title and Built a Decorated International Career
Peja’s résumé goes beyond All-Star appearances and outside shooting. Basketball-Reference lists him as a member of the 2011 NBA champion Dallas Mavericks, giving him a title late in his NBA career.
His international résumé is strong as well. Illinois’ official roster bio for Andrej notes that Peja won gold with Yugoslavia at EuroBasket 2001 and the 2002 FIBA World Championship, adding another layer to why the Stojakovic name still carries real basketball credibility.
That is useful context for fans because it shows Andrej did not come from a basketball household built on hype alone. Peja was a proven NBA star and an accomplished international player.
4. Andrej’s Game Is Not Just a Copy of His Father’s
The easy assumption is that Andrej must be the same kind of player Peja was, a pure jump shooter with deep range. But recent coverage around Illinois has emphasized that Andrej is carving out a different style. UConn Blog described him as more of a physical scorer around the rim than a pure shooter, while CBS Sports recently framed his story around building his own identity at Illinois rather than simply following his father’s path.
That distinction gives this story more substance. Peja’s name opens the door, but Andrej’s current value comes from his own production and the way he fits into Illinois’ roster right now.
5. Peja’s Reputation Still Follows Andrej, and Illinois Has Seen It Up Close
Even as Andrej builds his own career, the stories about Peja still travel with him. In a recent story from The Telegraph, Illinois coach Brad Underwood recalled Peja visiting campus and hitting 13 straight three-pointers from the corner, including 10 that reportedly never touched the rim.
That anecdote connects both generations in a way fans immediately understand. Andrej is trying to create his own basketball identity, but his father remains one of the most respected shooters of his era, and apparently still looks the part.
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