Freshman PF David Mirkovic shares awesome insight to his game day strategy

Power forward and European talent Davis Mirkovic shared a little taste of how he gets ready for an upcoming opponent and a few of his in-game strategies.
Mar 23, 2025; Milwaukee, WI, USA;  Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Brad Underwood reacts during the second half in the second round of the NCAA Tournament against the Kentucky Wildcats,
Mar 23, 2025; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Brad Underwood reacts during the second half in the second round of the NCAA Tournament against the Kentucky Wildcats, | Benny Sieu-Imagn Images

Serbian native and four-star power forward David Mirkovic committed to Brad Underwood and the Illinois Fighting Illini less than six months ago. Now, it has been only a few weeks since he joined the team in Champaign, and he is already making sure his presence is known.

During a post-practice media session, Mirkovic gave Illinois fans exactly what they were asking for: a sneak peek into what his in-game play looks like (and sounds like).

"That's personal," Mirkovic started when asked about his pregame rituals, before divulging that he prepares "something for each player."

Mirkovic went on to share that he does a little research on each opponent he faces so that he can dish out the trash talk, and he isn't afraid to call out an official when he disagrees with a call.

Over the last three years, Mirkovic garnered NCAA attention as he excelled at both the international and club levels, playing for Montenegro and SC Derby.

Through 50 games of club basketball, the 19-year-old power forward averaged 7.8 points and 5.3 rebounds. While playing in the 2022 FIBA U16 European Championship, he averaged 22.1 points and 10.3 rebounds over a seven-game stretch.

European players on Illinois men's basketball roster

Mirkovic isn't the only European talent joining the Illini this fall. Underwood also secured a commitment from Serbian point guard Mihailo Petrovic, as well as picking up Croatian center Zvonimir Ivisic from the transfer portal.

Not to mention, 7-foot-1 center Tomislav Ivisic, a junior who is also from Croatia, is heading into his second year at Illinois.

Beyond the international athletes on the roster, Underwood retained Kylan Boswell, a senior guard right out of Champaign, IL. Boswell is a well-known and respected leader on the team. Last season, he averaged 12.3 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 3.4 assists while starting in 34 of Illinois's 35 games.

The Fighting Illini have talent and size from all across the world, quite literally, and are poised to go on a deep run in both the Big Ten Tournament and the NCAA Tournament.

Illinois will tip off its 2025-26 season with a home game against the Illinois State Redbirds on Sunday, Oct. 19, 2 p.m. CT.