Predicting Illinois Basketball's Leaders in Major Statistical Categories

The Illini have a squad rich with talent and skill, so which players will lead the way on the stat sheet?

Dec 6, 2024; Evanston, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini center Tomislav Ivisic (13) dunks the ball on Northwestern Wildcats center Matthew Nicholson (34) during the first half at Welsh-Ryan Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images | David Banks-Imagn Images

Illinois coach Brad Underwood, one of the top recruiters in college basketball, has made a habit of building rosters stacked with talent in Champaign. Often, he seems focused less on player fit and more on securing the best his recruiters can muster, then figuring out the rest later – a method that appears to have served him well.

Still, there’s only one ball to go around, and that can cause issues for a squad full of ball-dominant players. Certainly Kasparas Jakucionis, and arguably both Kylan Boswell and Will Riley, were most effective with the rock in their hands last season, meaning the offensive end could become problematic at times when the trio shared the court.

As for 2025-26, things should flow a bit smoother. Boswell, international pickup Mihailo Petrovic and Cal transfer Andrej Stojakovic are all most effective with the ball on the offensive end, but Petrovic specializes as a table-setter, while Boswell and Stojakovic can be impactful on or off the ball.

That said, Stojakovic stands head and shoulders above the rest of the Illini in terms of shot creation, while also adding value as a spot-up shooter – meaning, he figures to be Illinois’ go-to scorer.

Andrej Stojakovic puts up a career-high against Stanford:

37 PTS | 13-22 FG | 4-7 3PT | 5 REB pic.twitter.com/ODtk96csQx

— B/R Hoops (@brhoops) March 13, 2025

In terms of facilitating, both Petrovic and Boswell could find themselves in a position to lead the team in assists next season, but with Petrovic expected to have the offensive reins as the lead guard, he’ll naturally have more opportunities to dish.

The final major category – rebounding – is much simpler and more straightforward. Expect 7-foot-1 center Tomislav Ivisic, who is an excellent rebounder and all but guaranteed to play the most minutes of any Illinois frontcourt player, to lead the Illini on the glass (with his twin brother, Zvonimir, likely to follow closely behind).

Illinois on SI 2025-26 statistical leader predictions:

Points: Andrej Stojakovic

Assists: Mihailo Petrovic

Rebounds: Tomislav Ivisic

More From Illinois on Sports Illustrated:

Former Illini Dain Dainja With Strong Showing for Miami Heat in NBA Summer League

Illinois Commit Mihailo Petrovic Still Missing From Roster: What It Means

Who is Illinois Basketball's X-Factor – and What Is His Ceiling and Floor?