David Mirkovic's Preseason All-America nod is just another accolade to add to the list

The basketball season is getting closer every day, which means the Illini continue to get more preseason hype as one of the biggest contenders to win it all. In order to bring home that trophy, Brad Underwood needs his star player, David Mirkovic, back, and he should be soon. Even with an injury, though, Mirkovic is still seen as one of the top players in the country.

Just a few days after the AP released its Preseason Top 25 rankings, in which Illinois was ranked No. 3, the publication has now released the Preseason All-America starting five. Mirkovic found himself among five of the best college basketball players in the country.

Mirkovic wasn't the only player from the Big Ten to make the list, with Michigan State's Jeremy Fears Jr. joining him. Mirkovic is the only player on the list currently dealing with a preseason injury, but clearly that isn't making anyone think it will affect him this season.

David Mirkovic's's foot injury will be practically forgotten once he hits the court this season

There is no guarantee that Mirkovic will be ready to go by the time the regular season begins. It makes sense that Underwood wants to be cautious about bringing Mirkovic back too soon. It looks like he may not even play in any of the Illini's exhibition matches.

If Mirkovic misses the first game or two of the season, it isn't the end of the world with Fairleigh Dickinson and Penn up first. However, Illinois could use his talent in mid-December, with No. 19 Texas Tech and No. 2 Duke on the schedule.

When Mirkovic does return, his foot injury could be an afterthought, especially if he comes out and plays better than he did in his freshman season. Last season, Mirkovic averaged 13.3 points, eight rebounds, and 2.4 assists. Underwood has talked about making Mirkovic an all-around player, even having him on the ball more often this season.

The fact that Mirkovic had surgery in early August and is most likely going to be ready to go by the regular season is major for the Illini. If Illinois wins it all at the end of all of this, Mirkovic's injury will just be a footnote in the story.

It might take some time to get going, but Mirkovic isn't a top player in the country for no reason. His ability to score, move the ball, rebound, and play great defense is what sets him apart. Mirkovic has already been named one of the top players at his position going into the season, and now he can add Preseason All-America to his growing list of accolades.

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