Illinois Basketball’s Projected 2026-27 Starting Lineup With Andrej Stojakovic

After making things very interesting, Andrej Stojakovic officially announced his return to Illinois for the 2026-27 season (yes, for real this time). In buzzer-beating fashion, Stojakovic waited until just hours before the official deadline (Wednesday night at 11 p.m. CT) to withdraw from the 2026 NBA Draft while maintaining his college eligibility.

So with Stojakovic finally a lock to be in Champaign next year, the rotation – and certainly the starting lineup – appears to be fully set. Here is our early starting five projection for Illinois in 2026-27:

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Illinois’ 2026-27 projected starting lineup

July 19, 2025; North Augusta, South Carolina, USA; Brad Beal Elite Quentin Coleman (1) gestures to a teammate as Team Durant Evans Barning Jr. (7) defends during the Brad Beal Elite and Team Durant game at the Nike EYBL Peach Jam at Riverview Park Activity Center. Brad Beal Elite won 91-59. Mandatory Credit: Katie Goodale – Augusta Chronicle/USA TODAY NETWORK | Katie Goodale / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Point guard: Quentin Coleman

The lone incoming freshman in this starting unit, Quentin Coleman is expected to carry a fairly heavy burden in his first year, if not a Keaton Wagler-like weight (despite the constant comparisons).

Coleman, who has skyrocketed up the recruiting charts and recently earned five-star status, is renowned for his shooting – off the bounce or the catch – and processing ability, not to mention his unexpectedly high motor for such a gifted player.

Although the offense may not actually run through Coleman, don’t be surprised if he initiates the action the majority of the time he is on the floor.

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Shooting guard: Stefan Vaaks

Mar 11, 2026; New York, NY, USA; Providence Friars guard Stefan Vaaks (7) drives to the basket against Butler Bulldogs guard Jamie Kaiser Jr. (7) during the first half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images | Brad Penner-Imagn Images

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Publish date : 2026-05-28 14:02:00

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