David Mirkovic is expected to be one of Illinois' most important players on the court. Head coach Brad Underwood has spoken about how Mirkovic is expected to take a huge step forward from his freshman season, but his personality both on and off the court is the key to his success.
Underwood could not say enough about Mirkovic, singing his praises as a person and a player, but described his star player in a Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde sort of way.
"He's one of the best players in the country with an incredible personality," Underwood said. "He loves life. He's great for not just basketball, he's great for sports. He's always happy, he never has a bad day. He's got great charisma and great sense of humor, when you get to know him, you find out how intelligent he is, an unbelievable quick wit to him."
"And then you step across the line [onto the court], and he's that guy that just wants to rip your throat out and compete, and I'm excited for the world to get to know him."
Brad Underwood pretty much hit the nail on the head to sum up David Mirkovic: "He's one of the best players in the country with an incredible personality. He loves life. He's great for, not just basketball, he's great for sports. He's always happy, he never has a bad day... And… pic.twitter.com/NM5dkJan3K
— Glenn Kinley (@glenn_kinley) October 8, 2026
It sounds like Mirkovic almost has an alter ego whenever he steps onto the court. He is the type of guy to be good friends off the court, but when he steps onto that court with the Illinois uniform on, he means business. That is the type of star player you want leading your team.
Illinois may only have David Mirkovic for one more season
After a solid freshman season, Illinois was lucky to get Mirkovic back for another year. Mirkovic could have chosen to enter the 2026 NBA Draft, but his probability of getting drafted was lower than that of other freshmen in his class. Instead, he chose to return to Champaign.
That may not be the case for Mirkovic after this season if he has the breakout year he is expected to have. As one of the top, if not the top, players at his position, Mirkovic is expected to be the star of the Illini this season. Illinois is also expected to be a big contender for the championship this season after a Final Four trip in April and retaining a good portion of the roster.
Even coming off the foot injury from late July, Mirkovic talked about being in a good place with less than a month before the season tips off. Mirkovic could have a slow start to the season, but Big Ten play is where he could really shine for the Illini and be that guy for Underwood.
If Mirkovic goes off like he is expected to, he could turn himself into a top prospect for the 2027 NBA Draft, meaning he might not choose to stick around Champaign for another season. So, Illinois fans may want to enjoy what could be Mirkovic's final season with the Illini, showing off that Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde personality on and off the court.
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