Andrej Stojakovic: Illinois Star Battles High-Ankle Sprain Update

Champaign, Illinois – Illinois Fighting Illini guard Andrej Stojaković is battling a high-ankle sprain, casting a shadow over the team’s upcoming West Coast road trip. The injury, initially sustained during the February 7th loss to Michigan State, has proven more persistent than initially believed, raising concerns about his availability for crucial games against USC and UCLA.

Despite appearing to roll his ankle during the game against the Spartans, Stojaković remarkably played 35 minutes, contributing 17 points and seven rebounds while effectively shadowing Michigan State’s point guard, Jeremy Fears Jr. This initial display led to optimism that the injury was not serious. However, his status was unexpectedly listed as “questionable” ahead of the game against Wisconsin, signaling a potential setback.

Head coach Brad Underwood has been circumspect about the extent of the injury, stating on Saturday that Stojaković “has been dealing with a high-ankle sprain” and experiencing “a decent amount of pain and soreness.” Underwood emphasized the importance of a full recovery before returning to action, expressing concern about rushing the 6-foot-7 wing back onto the court before he is fully prepared.

“You get to a certain point where you’ve got to be able to do it in practice and have that healthy,” Underwood explained. “And, like I said, my biggest concern is the health of us long term. And if that means he needs to stay at home from L.A. And that trip, and live in the hyperbaric [chamber] and get treatment, then we’ll do that. We’re not just going to throw him out there with missing 10 days, 12 days, 13 days without practice.”

Stojaković, a Serbian-Greek-American player in his first season with the Illini after transferring from California, has quickly become a key component of the team’s offense. Prior to the injury, he was demonstrating a versatile skillset, attacking the rim, hitting mid-range jumpers, and providing tenacious defense. His absence is keenly felt, particularly as Illinois navigates a challenging schedule.

The timing of the injury is particularly unfortunate, coinciding with the return of guard Kylan Boswell from his own injury. While Boswell’s return provides a boost to the Illini’s backcourt, it does not offset the loss of Stojaković’s all-around contributions. The team’s ability to maintain its momentum will depend heavily on how effectively they can compensate for his absence.

Illinois’ annual West Coast road trip, beginning with a game against USC on Wednesday and continuing with a matchup against UCLA on Saturday, presents a significant test. The trip is traditionally a challenging one for Big Ten teams, and the absence of a key player like Stojaković only amplifies the difficulty.

Underwood’s tendency to be guarded about injury updates leaves Stojaković’s status somewhat uncertain. While a return to action as early as Wednesday remains a possibility, the coach’s comments suggest a cautious approach. The Illini are clearly prioritizing Stojaković’s long-term health, even if it means sacrificing his availability for the immediate future.

With the Big Ten Tournament rapidly approaching – now less than a month away – Illinois is acutely aware of the need to have Stojaković at full strength for the postseason. The coaching staff will likely err on the side of caution, ensuring he has sufficient time to recover and regain his form before re-entering the lineup. The team’s success in the conference tournament, and potentially beyond, could hinge on his ability to return to the court healthy and effective.

The situation underscores the inherent risks of college basketball, where injuries can derail even the most promising seasons. Illinois will need to navigate this challenge with resilience and adaptability, relying on the contributions of other players to fill the void left by Stojaković’s absence. The coming weeks will be a critical test of the team’s depth and its ability to overcome adversity.