Illinois Basketball news: Tomislav Ivisic upgraded to questionable vs Ohio state

NEWS: Illinois basketball has listed center Tomislav Ivisic as “questionable” heading into Sunday’s home game vs Ohio State. Head coach Brad Underwood stated that Ivisic has “done nothing since the Michigan State game”, however, is starting to ramp up some activity

Tomislav Ivisic has missed the last three games due to Mononucleosis and has left the Illini heavily struggling. The Croatian big man averages 13.0 points per game and 8.5 rebounds. He is arguably the second-best passer on the team and anchors what was a stingy Illini defense. Without Ivisic, the Illini have looked lost on both ends of the ball and have lost two of three.

#illini Brad Underwood says Tomislav Ivisic is sleeping 16 hours a day due to MONO

“He’s literally done nothing since the Michigan State game.”

Illinois listed Ivisic as “questionable” against the Ohio State Buckeyes on Sunday

Illinois at 6-5 in Big Ten play. pic.twitter.com/eR1pGlpwzb

— Carson Gourdie (@GourdieReport) February 1, 2025

Doubtful in my opinion

I am highly doubtful that Ivisic plays. Tomorrow will be two weeks since he last played vs Michigan State, a game he was also supposedly deathly ill for. Typically, athletes sit out for a while due to the heavy risk of injury to the Spleen while dealing with Mononucleosis. The time window for avoiding contact sports may be ending soon, however, Ivisic will need to ramp back into game shape. Mono is a sickness that fatigues and drains energy. Hence, I doubt the big man will return on such short notice. After playing Ohio State, the Illini will play Rutgers on February 5th and Minnesota on February 8th.

If I am being optimistic, Ivisic is back in about 10 days for the February 11th game vs UCLA.

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