Andrej Stojakovic says it was "surreal", a "dream" to earn Kentucky offer

Andrej Stojakovic is a fresh name on the 2023 recruiting class Big Board for Kentucky. The 6-foot-6 wing earned an offer from the Wildcats’ coaching staff in late April — the most recent scholarship handed out by UK. The eldest son of NBA great Peja Stojakovic, his recruiting buzz began to take off in the winter. He performed incredibly well on the Adidas 3SSB circuit for the Compton Magic and quickly generated two big handfuls of college interest.

Along with Kentucky, Stojakovic has hauled in offers from the likes of USC, Stanford, Washington State, Indiana, Tennessee, UConn, Kansas, Florida, Texas, Oregon, Georgia Tech, UCLA, and Virginia — all since the month of April began.

“It’s kinda been overwhelming at times,” Stojakovic told KSR on Sunday in Las Vegas. “It’s been a blessing getting calls from historically amazing programs and all these college coaches that have so much success in the college basketball realm. It’s been really fun.”

Following an impressive spring on the AAU circuit, Stojakovic was one of the 120+ prospects from across the country invited to Las Vegas for the 20th annual Pangos All-American Camp, which began on Sunday and runs through Tuesday. KSR was able to sit down and chat with him to discuss his sudden rise and where he’s at with his recruitment.

There aren’t many prospects in the country with a faster-rising stock than the Jesuit High School (CA) product. Kentucky and head coach John Calipari appears to be one of the programs leading the charge, too.

“South Carolina, after the very first day (of the Adidas 3SSB second session), Coach Cal came to the game and I got the call, it was kinda surreal hearing his voice on the phone. It was just a dream,” Stojakovic said. “It’s one of those schools where you dream of getting an offer and having the opportunity to play for Coach Cal.”

Stojakovic added that assistant coach Orlando Antigua was also in attendance with Calipari to watch him play in Rock Hill, South Carolina. Since then, Coach Antigua has maintained steady contact with Stojakovic, reaching out weekly to check-in. Stojakovic said he’s planning on scheduling an official visit to Lexington in the fall.

Not your average NBA legacy prospect

One of the first things you notice about Stojakovic when talking with him is his attitude. He doesn’t present himself as though he’s the son of a three-time NBA All-Star. The soon-to-be high school senior speaks with plenty of humility and that translate to his on-court game.

“It’s kinda surreal to think where I was back a year ago. It was like things you watch on YouTube and stuff, it’s kinda cool seeing all the top guys in the country and playing alongside them and showcasing what I can do on the court,” Stojakovic said of his rise in popularity. “Staying true to myself, keeping my head down, keeping a close circle, and just mind my own business and then it took me to where I am today.”

Stojakovic is already known as one of the class’s top outside shooters, if not the best of the group. That’s an area where having a father who shot 38.5 percent from beyond the arc across his 16-year NBA career comes in handy. He said he’s been taking tips from pros such as Kyle Guy (G League), Gabe Vincent (Heat), and Buddy Hield (Pacers) — a trio of elite outside shooters from the last half-decade. Stojakovic wouldn’t even let us finish asking him who he thought the best shooter in the ’23 class is before naming himself.

He wants to be known for more than just his outside shooting ability, though. “I can create my own shot at all three levels, drive, I can defend multiple positions,” he added.

Reed Sheppard recruiting on Kentucky’s behalf

Kentucky has just one player committed to the ’23 class, four-star guard Reed Sheppard, who has been doing his part recruiting the nation’s top prospects to UK. The North Laurel (KY) star has been staying in touch with Stojakovic ever since their epic three-overtime battle in April back on the AAU circuit.

“Ever since we played (Sheppard) in Indiana in a triple-overtime game we’ve been keeping close contact and talking about different things,” Stojakovic said.

Stojakovic’s Compton Magic squad came away with a 111-103 victory over Sheppard’s Midwest Basketball Club. Stojakovic finished with 27 points, 10 rebounds, three steals, and two blocks that included a perfect 16-16 mark from the free-throw line. Sheppard added 28 points, 14 rebounds, and seven assists in the loss. The two only went head-to-head a few times during that contest, but it’s helped spark a connection and bond that continues to grow.

“There were a couple of possessions (we guarded each other),” Stojakovic said. “Reed Sheppard is an amazing player, he can get his shot off whenever he wants basically. But yeah he really controls his own pace and is not afraid to go up against anybody.”

Sheppard better have a good pitch ready, too. Stojakovic is currently rated No. 95 overall by On3’s individual rankings, but he will earn a major bump in the next round of updates. Kentucky is not alone in heavily recruiting the budding sharpshooter. He says that UCLA is “reaching out really frequently” and that he hears plenty from Southern California and Texas, as well. Kansas is another school he mentioned as one keeping serious tabs on him.

Stojakovic intends to take all of his official visits before making a final decision ahead of the signing period in November. He added that a top list of schools will likely come in September. Stanford received the first official visit ahead of his arrival in Las Vegas and more will come this fall once his senior year begins.