Illinois Basketball: David Mirkovic Makes Crucial Summer Decision That Could Fuel NBA Rise

One of the most important offseason developments for Illinois men’s basketball this summer had nothing to do with recruiting wins, transfer portal additions, or schedule announcements. It came from a decision made by David Mirkovic.

During a recent media session, Brad Underwood revealed that Mirkovic chose to stay in Champaign this summer rather than join the Montenegro national team, instead dedicating the offseason to training with Illinois strength coach Adam Fletcher.

That decision may end up telling us everything about what kind of leap Mirkovic is preparing to make.

Illinois fans saw it last season. At 6-foot-9, Mirkovic quietly put together one of the best freshman campaigns in the Big Ten, averaging 13.3 points, 8.0 rebounds and 2.6 assists while shooting 56 percent inside the arc and 37.5 percent from three. But the numbers only tell part of the story.

David Mirkovic has all the skills

David Mirkovic does a little bit of everything. He rebounds at an elite level, can initiate offense like a guard, make plays out of the post, stretch defenses as a shooter, and defend multiple spots. More than anything, though, what stands out is his motor. Possession after possession, Mirk plays with the kind of relentless competitiveness that coaches love and opponents hate.

And now comes the scary part for the rest of college basketball. According to CBS Sports College Basketball, Mirkovic projects as a potential preseason All-American, with some early 2027 mock drafts placing him as high as No. 11 overall.

The skill has never been the question. This summer is about building the body to match it. By staying in Champaign with Fletcher instead of spending the summer with Montenegro, Mirkovic is betting on development — adding strength for Big Ten physicality, improving lateral quickness defensively and becoming an even more explosive athlete in transition.

If Adam Fletcher helps unlock that next gear, Illinois will not just be seeing a sophomore jump. They might be watching Mirk turn from a really good player into another Illini getting the invite to the NBA draft green room.  

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