We aren’t even close to the start of the 2026-27 season, and there is already Illinois basketball drama.
Last season, the Illini had some injury bumps and bruises, but there wasn’t anything that could potentially wreck the season. Well, on Tuesday, huge injury news broke, as the Illinois basketball social media account posted that David Mirkovic underwent successful surgery on his left foot on July 31.
This news gave me chills. Illinois needs all hands on deck for the 2026-27 season, but the post didn’t say a timeline on Mirkovic’s return. On Tuesday evening, we got the timeline.
According to Jeff Goodman of The Field of 68, Mirkovic is expected to be out 6-8 weeks. I would argue that is the best news we could hear on the injury front.
NEW: @GoodmanHoops reacts to David Mirkovic's foot injury, and gives #Illini fans an anticipated timeline 👀
— The Field of 68 (@TheFieldOf68) August 4, 2026
"According to my sources, he'll be out 6-8 weeks."
FULL REACTION ⬇️https://t.co/oCIioamBTV pic.twitter.com/Q1F2RcQlVZ
So, that has Mirkovic coming back to the Illinois basketball program and being able to practice sometime in mid-September. With the first game usually in mid-October, this gives Mirkovic plenty of time to get back up to game speed and ready for the 2026-27 season.
Illinois has to have David Mirkovic for the 2026-27 campaign, as he is our best player
Losing Mirkovic for any of the season, let alone an entire season, would have been brutal for the Illinois program. He is a unique player who is a leader on the court with his play and vocally with his mentality.
Keaton Wagler got all of the shine last season with his play. He was a big-time guard, but Mirkovic had one of the better freshman campaigns in program history, and yet, he wasn’t talked about nearly enough.
Mirkovic finished his freshman season averaging 13.3 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game while shooting 37.5% from three-point range. I would take those numbers from a senior, let alone a freshman.
I have always pegged Mirkovic as an All-American candidate this season. He could have declared for the NBA, and I think he would have been drafted in the second round. With another season under his belt, he can emerge as the true leader on the Illinois basketball team.
There will be plenty of competition for that honor, though. Andrej Stojakovic is back and has plenty of experience. The transfer portal addition of Stefan Vaaks gives Illinois another experienced player who can take the leadership role.
It won’t be easy for Mirkovic to be the guy Illinois needs, but he has all of the tools in the tool bag. He just has to get healthy and be himself, and I think the rest falls into place.
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