Andrej Stojaković has pressure with a famous NBA dad. Illinois’ Final Four run is part of finding his own way.
INDIANAPOLIS — Andrej Stojaković walked off the court at Lucas Oil Stadium on Friday morning after Illinois’ open Final Four practice in front of a surprising sea of orange-clad fans. He waved with both hands to some of the people leaning over the wall to greet the Illini players on their way to the locker room, then stopped to sign a hand-drawn poster board that read that he wore No. 2 on the court but was No.
1 in that fan’s heart. One of the first things that often is mentioned in reports on Stojaković is that he is the son of three-time NBA All-Star Peja Stojaković. The cameras sometimes find his father in the crowd watching his games.
One of CBS Sports’ social media features for the Final Four was Andrej trying to guess his dad’s NBA stats. Their hug after Illinois’ Elite Eight win over Iowa circulated online. Andrej, wearing a backward Final Four cap, slapped his dad’s hand, went in for a hug and listened as his dad said a few words, both breaking into big smiles.
But Andrej Stojaković is trying to forge his own path beyond his father’s legacy, and he has made a name for himself in this NCAA Tournament. During Illinois’ run to its national semifinal against Connecticut at 5:09 p. m.
Saturday, the 6-foot-7 junior wing averaged 15 points on 59. 5% shooting and three rebounds in the four games. He was named to the All-South Region team.
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