College football season is nearly upon us, and while Illinois fans have been able to look forward to it more in recent years, the real excitement lies on the basketball court. After making it to the Final Four for the first time since 2005 last season, Illinois fans are ready to see nearly the same roster hit the court again, this time earning the respect they deserve.
Summer workouts have been going on for weeks now, but head coach Brad Underwood gave a solid update on how things are looking in Champaign, and it should put a smile on the face of every Illinois fan.
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“We just completed the second week where we’ve had everybody,” Underwood said. “We’re installing some new things offensively and defensively. Andrej Stojakovic is healthy.”
Andrej Stojakovic is coming off a knee scope procedure earlier this offseason after he withdrew from the NBA Draft. While there wasn’t much concern about the injury, it took time for him to get back on his feet and back out with the team.
Brad Underwood is getting right back to work with his new roster at Illinois
It is not easy for college basketball teams to have everyone in the building during the summer months. After a grueling season that runs from November to March and even April for some teams, guys need a break, but some also go overseas to play for their national teams.
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For Illinois, Underwood was fortunate to have quite a few players stick around, like David Mirkovic, who could have gone to play with the Montenegro National Team, but chose to stay in Champaign instead, working with Adam Fletcher.
After the procedure, Stojakovic also opted to stay in Champaign and rehab, and now he is finally back working with the team. Underwood said this was only the second week that the entire roster has been working together, which means Illinois could be behind the eight ball just a bit, with other teams having everyone in the building sooner.
The good news is that the only new player who hasn’t been with the team is Stefan Vaaks, who was playing with the Estonian national team. The freshmen and the rest of the roster have been putting in the work. For the returning players, they know what Underwood expects, and the freshmen will quickly learn.
This team is planning a return to the Final Four this season, and if Underwood has it his way, it will go one step further to the National Championship. With the retention Underwood has with his roster from last season, Illinois is a threat that many teams will have to watch out for.
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Even without star freshman Keaton Wagler, keeping guys like Stojakovic and Mirkovic on the roster was a huge win for Underwoods, and fans will be itching to see this team back in action.
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This article was originally published on www.writingillini.com as Brad Underwood gives an Andrej Stojakovic update that silences any worries for Illinois.
