Brad Underwood made a bold move betting on Andrej Stojakovic to be Illinois' go-to scorer — and he might just have found the next Illini NBA draft pick. In this deep dive player profile, we rewind Andrej’s rise from high school blue chip to Cal breakout star, and break down why his fit in Champaign could be special.

Sunny explains the NBA-level scoring craft, underrated defense, and leadership potential that make Stojakovic one of the most important additions to Brad Underwood’s 2024–25 roster. But we also examine the biggest concern: his inconsistent 3-point shooting. Will Illinois unlock the version of Andrej that dominated the Pac-12? If you’re an Illini fan, you don’t want to miss this one.

👍 Don’t forget to hit LIKE & SUBSCRIBE!

🎯 Goal: 5,000 subs before kickoff vs. Western Illinois

📲 Follow Sunny on X: @talkillini

Welcome to Locked On Illini, your one-stop show for all things Illinois Fighting Illini football and basketball! Join host Sunny Verma as he brings you in-depth analysis, game previews, post-game breakdowns, and exclusive interviews with players, coaches, and insiders. Whether you're a die-hard Illini fan or just looking to stay updated on the latest in college sports, this is the podcast for you. Tune in on YouTube and your favorite audio platforms for fresh episodes and all the insights you need to stay ahead of the game. Get ready to be Locked On Illini! Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more in-depth coverage of Illini basketball and football!

Email us at: talkillini@gmail.com

FOLLOW OUR FACEBOOK PAGE! https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61564192637267

NEW ILLINI DISCORD: https://discord.gg/wrbCEgpU

Follow Sunny's personal account: @theSunnyV

Watch Me Record Live on Tik Tok: https://t.co/QvIn1UqJkE

Follow us on Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/lockedonillini.bsky.social

Article Referenced:

For your next listen, check out the Locked On College Football podcast! From NIL deals to never ending conference realignment rumors, Spencer McLaughlin gets you ready for an exciting season on the gridiron! Click HERE to listen now. Part of the Locked On Podcast Network. Your Team. Every Day.

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Monarch Money

Take control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONCOLLEGE at monarchmoney.com for 50% off your first year.

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Big Ten recruiting heats up as top coaches vie for 2026 talent. Will Washington's defensive upgrades translate to more wins next season?

Spencer McLaughlin and the Locked On Big Ten Squad analyze college football's recruiting landscape, spotlighting the conference's best talent hunters. The hosts break down 2026 class projections for powerhouses like Ohio State, Michigan, and USC, exploring how NIL deals are reshaping recruitment strategies. Washington's defensive overhaul takes center stage, with Roman Thomas highlighting key additions to the Huskies' secondary and front seven. The crew debates Washington's win total for the upcoming season, dissecting crucial matchups against Big Ten heavyweights.

Tune in for insider perspectives on Big Ten recruiting battles and bold predictions for Washington's 2024 campaign.

Illinois Basketball is heading back to Madison Square Garden for a blockbuster Black Friday rematch against the UConn Huskies—the same team that crushed the Illini's dreams in the 2024 Elite Eight. But this time, Brad Underwood is bringing a loaded, veteran squad with European firepower to the nation’s biggest stage.

Is this matchup a brilliant move to boost the program's national profile… or a dangerous gamble that could backfire? Plus, we spotlight an emotional story involving Bret Bielema and NFL star Frank Ragnow that proves Illinois Football's "FamILLy" motto is more than just a slogan. And we break down how this culture is helping Bielema win in the NIL and transfer portal era.

🎙️ Drop your thoughts in the comments and don’t forget to vote in the Player Spotlight poll on the channel!

👍 Don’t forget to hit LIKE & SUBSCRIBE!

🎯 Goal: 5,000 subs before kickoff vs. Western Illinois

📲 Follow Sunny on X: @talkillini

Welcome to Locked On Illini, your one-stop show for all things Illinois Fighting Illini football and basketball! Join host Sunny Verma as he brings you in-depth analysis, game previews, post-game breakdowns, and exclusive interviews with players, coaches, and insiders. Whether you're a die-hard Illini fan or just looking to stay updated on the latest in college sports, this is the podcast for you. Tune in on YouTube and your favorite audio platforms for fresh episodes and all the insights you need to stay ahead of the game. Get ready to be Locked On Illini! Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more in-depth coverage of Illini basketball and football!

Email us at: talkillini@gmail.com

FOLLOW OUR FACEBOOK PAGE! https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61564192637267

NEW ILLINI DISCORD: https://discord.gg/wrbCEgpU Follow Sunny's personal account: @theSunnyV Watch Me Record Live on Tik Tok: https://t.co/QvIn1UqJkE

Follow us on Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/lockedonillini.bsky.social

Article Referenced:

For your next listen, check out the Locked On College Football podcast! From NIL deals to never ending conference realignment rumors, Spencer McLaughlin gets you ready for an exciting season on the gridiron! Click HERE to listen now. Part of the Locked On Podcast Network. Your Team. Every Day.

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

Monarch Money

Take control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONCOLLEGE at monarchmoney.com for 50% off your first year.

FanDuel

Right now, new customers can get TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS in BONUS BETS when your first FIVE DOLLAR BET WINS! Download the app or head to FANDUEL.COM to get started. Bet with FanDuel—Official Partner of the NBA.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)