It may still be football season, but let's face it, Illinois is 3-3 and not in the running for a spot in the College Football Playoff, so it's time to turn our attention to basketball. It is perfect timing for the Illini to be on bye for football with basketball's first exhibition on Saturday against Cincinnati.
The Illini won't get to play in front of their home crowd just yet, giving fans a reason for a fun little trip to Cincinnati. However, if they are expecting to see star forward David Mirkovic suit up for Illinois, they will be sorely disappointed.
Illinois head coach Brad Underwood announced to the media that Mirkovic would not play against Cincinnati on Saturday. Mirkovic is still recovering from a foot injury that required surgery in late July, so it makes sense that Underwood would play it safe with his availability, especially in just an exhibition game.
As expected, #Illini head coach Brad Underwood told reporters that David Mirkovic will not play in Saturday’s exhibition against Cincinnati.
— Kyle Tausk (@ktausk13) October 16, 2026
Additionally, Jake Davis will be a game-time decision but “wouldn’t expect to see him” after suffering an ankle injury in practice.
There is no reason to risk a setback with Mirkovic's injury during just an exhibition match. Sure, Mirkovic will want to shake off the rust after being out for a while; that is what the first few games of the season are for, when Illinois is an overwhelming favorite to win.
Mirkovic was not the only player Underwood gave an injury update for, as the Illini could be without one of its leaders, who is a game-time decision.
Illinois could be without Jake Davis against Cincinnati on Saturday
Senior Jake Davis recently suffered an ankle injury in practice, and now his availability against Cincinnati is in question. While Underwood didn't say whether Davis was a go or not against the Bearcats, he did say the decision would be made by game time.
While these exhibitions don't count for anything, they are a good benchmark for how the teams are looking with the regular season looming. It is time to shake off the rust and get used to playing basketball at full speed again, and for some of the opponents, it is a good measuring stick for how the guys are looking compared to last season and how new players will fit into the system.
Davis was a solid player for the Illini last season, contributing nearly 20 minutes per game. While Davis didn't light up the scoreboard, averaging just 5.4 points per game, he helped on the boards, averaging 2.2 rebounds per contest as well. Davis has played at least 30 games or more for Illinois in each of his last two seasons with the Illini, and he is a great bench player for Underwood to go to at any moment.
While it is good for Davis to get work in, especially without Mirkovic playing, it might be better for Underwood to go the safe route and keep Davis out against Cincinnati. This is the first exhibition of the season, with two more before the start of the regular season.
Sitting Davis might be the best way to go, giving opportunities to other young guys to prove what they can do for Underwood and Illinois this season.
Add us as a preferred source on Google