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Underwood: Stojakovic's Body, Mind Transformed
8 Oct
Summary
- Second year in Champaign consistently yields better results for Illini transfers.
- Stojakovic shows increased confidence and a physically transformed body.
- Improvement needed in three-point shooting, defense, and rebounding for Stojakovic.
Brad Underwood has observed a consistent pattern in his program: the second year is always better for transfers. Andrej Stojakovic, entering his second season with the Illinois Illini, is embodying this trend with a "different confidence" and a noticeably transformed physique. This physical change, coupled with a clearer understanding of expectations, has bolstered his mental approach.
Last year, Stojakovic averaged 13.5 points and 4.5 rebounds, with strong interior shooting but a career-low 24.4 percent from three-point range. Underwood aims for growth in his three-point efficiency, defense, and rebounding. Stojakovic's potential as a "positionless, highly effective defender" is noted, with an expectation that he could become a "lockdown perimeter defender."
