Will Illini Freshman David Mirkovic Win Big Ten Freshman of the Year?

Illinois forward David Mirkovic has been the subject of plenty of preseason buzz from Brad Underwood’s staff entering the 2025 season — and on Monday night (Nov. 3), the talented freshman showed exactly why.

Mirkovic stepped up in the absence of several key Illini — including Andrej Stojakovic, Mihailo Petrovic, Brandon Lee, and of course, Ty Rodgers — and delivered a dominant debut in Illinois’ season opener. The freshman forward racked up 19 points, 14 rebounds, and 4 assists, all while shooting a scorching 7-for-10 (70%) from deep in the Illini’s 113–55 rout of Jackson State.

Notably, the Montenegro native became the first Illini freshman to record a double-double in his collegiate debut since Kofi Cockburn posted 11 points and 10 rebounds against Nicholls State back in November 2019.

Not playing like a freshman.

David Mirkovic is the first Illini freshman to record a double-double in his collegiate debut since Kofi Cockburn (11 points, 10 rebounds) vs. Nicholls State.#Illini Performance Stat x #InvescoQQQ pic.twitter.com/OCiYsu6tDs

— Illinois Men’s Basketball (@IlliniMBB) November 4, 2025

In addition to quickly making his mark in Illinois’ record books, the Illini’s freshman forward also caught the attention of some respected national experts following his eye-opening performance.

In fact, Big Ten Network analyst Rapheal Davis has already tabbed Mirkovic as his early favorite for Big Ten Freshman of the Year.

BTN’s Raphael Davis Tabs Illini Freshman David Mirkovic as Early Big Ten FOY Favorite

Big Ten Network college basketball analyst Raphael Davis didn’t hold back on his first impression of the Illini’s highly anticipated freshman. During Tuesday morning’s broadcast of “The Big Show,” Davis praised Mirkovic’s impressive debut. David made a bold prediction for what could be a breakout first season in Champaign.

“On the first night of the season, I’ve already picked my freshman of the year,” Davis Said. “Don’t lead me wrong, big fella…”

He further states, “David Mirkovic will be your freshman of the year in the Big Ten. That dude is a stud.”

David Mirkovic – B1G Freshman of the Year favorite.

— Rapheal Davis (@RaphealDavis3) November 4, 2025

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Thank you for reading Armchair Illini! The Armchair team is proud to partner with Hamilton Walker’s Seafood and Spirits. Reserve your table HERE. Enter our home game giveaways on our social media pages to win a $100 gift card.

We are also proud to partner with the Campus Ink Illini NIL Store! Use the code: ARMCHAIRILLINI for 15% off your purchase. Please subscribe to the Armchair Illini Podcast on YouTube here.

Above all, for feedback, questions, concerns, or to apply for a writing position, please email our Publisher at alexkyi13@gmail.com. Additionally, please use our Seatgeek code for $20 off your purchase on Seatgeek.com: ARMCHAIRILLINOIS. It is because of your support that we have become one of the fastest-growing Illinois media outlets around.

Finally, subscribe to our newsletter here for more Illinois football news! Go Illini