The Next Illini Superstar?

Illinois power forward David Mirkovic had a season like no other freshman in the nation. And he did it playing next to an All-American.

By Larry Smith - IlliniGuys Co-Founder

July 8, 2026

(Cover photo courtesy Illinois Athletics)

CHAMPAIGN - As the parade of one year college players made their way one by one to the NBA Draft stage to open the first round of selections in Brooklyn, New York last month, there was one freshman watching from home who had done something that none of them had accomplished.

During the 2025-26 season, there were two college basketball freshmen . . .

 

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