David Mirkovic one of 15 players to become college basketball stars per Jon Rothstein

CBS Sports’ Jon Rothstein named Illini forward David Mirkovic as one of 15 players most likely to become stars in college basketball. Mirkovic was the first name that Rothstein mentioned, saying, “I’m looking right now at a guy that will be a go-to player, a first-team All-Big Ten player for Illinois in 2026-2027; it’s David Mirkovic. His evolution from a piece of the puzzle to one of the best players in the Big Ten could be something that ultimately controls the season for Illinois, if the Illini are to have a chance to go back to the Final Four.”

Continued Preseason Buzz

David Mirkovic certainly had a stellar freshman campaign for the Illini. Mirk averaged 13.3 p17-rebound rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game. He ended up earning Big Ten All-Freshman Team honors and was certainly crucial in the Illini’s NCAA Tournament run. In the round of 64 game vs Penn, David Mirkovic dominated and set the tone with a 29-point, 17 rebound performance. Throughout the five games of the NCAA Tournament, David shot 40% from the three-point line.

He can score from virtually any point on the court and should be the head of the snake for Illinois once he is fully healthy. With Keaton Wagler and Kylan Boswell off this roster, the Illini need a go-to scorer and a constant force on the glass; David Mirkovic is the one to fill in those holes. Prior to his foot injury suffered in early August, Mirkovic had garnered buzz as a new player taking on the leadership role for the Illini. Look for the Illini offense to run through the Serbian forward’s hands once he returns to the court.

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