There is a ton of anticipation flowing for the 2026-27 Illinois basketball season.
Coming off a trip to the Final Four, the Illini managed to retain and replace some key players. Not only is this team ready to make another run, but some are saying we are a national championship favorite.
Over the past couple of months, some uncertainty has entered the picture. David Mirkovic was dealing with a foot injury. On August 4, it was reported that he had surgery on his foot. A surgery that soon before the season is usually bad news bears.
About a month later, Mirkovic was out of the walking boot, and it was reported that he was day-to-day. Mirkovic then attended the Illinois football game this past Saturday, September 19, and showed off where his foot was in the process.
David Mirkovic’s foot looks fine dancing on the field pregame #illini pic.twitter.com/vpIq28AH28
— Ben Machi (@Ben_Machi) September 19, 2026
This video doesn’t give a ton of context, and there isn’t a lot of movement. What it does show is the fact that Mirkovic has zero limping or discomfort. He jogs to his spot, does a little dance, and then giggles his way off camera in true Mirkovic fashion.
Illinois has to have Mirkovic this season, and this video shows he seems likely to be good to go to start the 2026-27 campaign.
This is going to be one of the most interesting Illinois basketball seasons of all time
I know it sounds like hyperbole, but this upcoming season will be extremely intriguing. This team has the most expectations I have ever seen for an Illini squad.
Brad Underwood also has a good formula going for the Orange and Blue. Have a talented freshman surrounded by some big-time experienced players.
Keaton Wagler had that last season, and it enabled him to shine brightly. I could see Quinton Coleman following in the same path as Wagler. He will have Mirkovic, Andrej Stojakovic, Tomislav Ivisic, Zvonimir Ivisic, and Jake Davis surrounding him, all of whom played on that Final Four team last season.
Illinois is locked and loaded for another run in the NCAA tournament. Knowing that Mirkovic has his dancing shoes on this early is only a bonus. The future is bright.
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