Andrej Stojakovic delivers another standout performance, showcasing offensive spark and defensive versatility that could catch the Sacramento Kings' attention.
For the Sacramento Kings, March Madness is a huge opportunity to scout the top prospects entering this year's draft on the biggest stage.
However, in a draft dominated by uber-talented players at the top of the board, many sneaky-good value picks will appear in the late first and early second round.
Saturday, prior to Illinois' 71-59 Elite 8 victory over Iowa, Roundtable's Matthew Feldman highlighted the Illini's Andrej Stojakovic as a possible draft target, as the 6-foot-7 combo guard has shined throughout March.
In Illinois' three tourney wins prior to Iowa, Stojakovic averaged 14.3 points, while shooting an efficient 53.6-percent from the field.
In the Fighting Illini's Sweet 16 65-55 victory over Houston, which has one of the top defenses in the country, Stojakovic scored 13 points on 5-of-8 shooting, while adding a steal and two assists.
He kept up this efficient shooting display Saturday evening, once again coming off the bench and providing an instant offensive spark. Stojakovic finished with 17 points on stellar 7-of-9 shooting, adding five rebounds and a steal.
After checking in, Stojakovic immediately spurred a 6-0 run, attacking the rim and finishing with acrobatics and touch. His final layup ignited the crowd, attacking the inside driving lane before spinning back to his left and finishing with his inside hand.
Stojakovic made his first four shots, displaying his aggressiveness and ability to finish through contact. He also displayed his defensive versatility, coming in and helping slow down Iowa star guard Bennett Stirtz, who struggled with Stojakovic's length.
Stirtz had it going early, scoring eight points in the first eight minutes and netting 15 in the first half. However, Stojakovic and the rest of Illinois' backcourt keyed in on Stirtz, holding him to just nine second-half points.
Following the game, Stojakovic told reporters what he and the team focused on to slow down the projected first-round pick.
"To not relax, to not stand while he doesn't have the ball. We know that he's always going to come back to it, being such a talented offensive weapon," Stojakovic said. "He's a hell of a player. Such a good player. So, he's going to do great things at the next level. But yeah, so just all year long, you can't stop those type of players. You just do your best to make things hard for them."
Stojakovic's performance helped propel the Illini to their first Final Four berth since 2005, leading one of the best offensive attacks in the country.
He spoke with media following the game about what it means to have the opportunity to be "the best Illinois team ever," while crediting those who came before him.
"We knew we were talented enough to get to this point. We knew we could, you know, match up with the best Illinois teams ever," Stojakovic said. "Just being around us every single day. You could probably tell that, but it's not a comparison thing. Like I don't want to get into that. We're doing it for the people that put on this jersey before us and for the people that are going to put on this jersey after us."
Head coach Brad Underwood and the Illinois program have clearly had a large impact on Stojakovic, as he transferred in from Cal last season. His freshman year, Stojakovic played at Stanford alongside Kings rookie Maxime Raynaud.
Stojakovic also has Sacramento ties thanks to his father, Peja. Widely considered on of the greatest shooters in NBA history, Peja was drafted by Sacramento in 1996 and left Serbia and Greece after a seven-year pro career in Europe to join the Kings in 1998, earning three All-Star selections in eight seasons.
Peja has been seen at multiple Illinios games throughout the season, including Saturday's historic victory, embracing his son after the win.
Perhaps, Raynaud's input and family ties will be enough for the Kings to take a look at Stojakovic, as he continues to help bring the Illini their first National Championship in program history.
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