Good Morning, Illini Nation: Andrej Stojakovic almost back to full go

Jul. 10—Andrej Stojakovic didn't even know there was an issue with his right knee until receiving a mandatory MRI at the NBA draft combine in Chicago in May.

That the issue wasn't related to the injury he suffered last fall — the one that cost him seven weeks ahead of the 2025-26 season — was good news. Even finding out an arthroscopic procedure would be necessary wasn't bad news.

"When it happened in the combine I didn't even notice it," Stojakovic said. "It wasn't a play or anything. When they did the mandatory full MRIs at the combine, that's when I found out, or else I wouldn't have known.

"A good two weeks went by when I didn't know if I'd need the scope or not. They told me it was going to be harmless. After doing the scope, there wouldn't be any harm done if I did push it. I'm just glad we got it out the way and we got it done in the summer so I don't have to deal with anything (during the season)."

Stojakovic was able to get back on the court not long after the procedure. Not as a full participant in Illinois' summer workouts, but it was still a positive step in his rehab and recovery.

The Illini senior said Wednesday he was "getting better every single day" and "almost up to full go."

"Physically, I feel great," Stojakovic continued. "I got on the court two weeks after surgery and have been able to work out. Obviously, it's not preseason, it's summer, so coach wants me to take my time so I don't have to deal with anything during the year.

"I think mentally it's been tough. Missing those couple weeks last year in the fall, in the preseason, it's obviously not the same, but having to go through being on the sideline again has been mentally tough. Mentally, I'm slowly starting to become more and more excited and less of, 'Why am I watching everybody while I'm on the sideline?'"