Illinois Sophomore David Mirkovic Named Preseason All-American
The Montenegro native receives national recognition after a standout freshman season with the Fighting Illini.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Basketball
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The Associated Press selected Illinois sophomore David Mirkovic to its preseason All-American team. Mirkovic, a 6-foot-9 forward, earned the honor after receiving 24 votes from a panel of 58 media members.
Why it matters
The recognition highlights the rising status of Mirkovic, who averaged 13 points and eight rebounds during his debut season. His inclusion reflects the high national expectations for the Illinois men's basketball team this year.
Mirkovic received 24 votes from a 58-member media panel, ranking him fourth among the five honorees. He averaged 13 points and eight rebounds per game during his freshman season while playing for the No. 3 ranked Fighting Illini.
The players
David Mirkovic
He is a sophomore forward for the Illinois men's basketball team who hails from Montenegro.
Associated Press
This is a global news agency that conducts annual voting for collegiate basketball honors.
Illinois men's basketball team
This is a Division I college basketball program based in Champaign that holds a No. 3 national preseason ranking.
The details
Mirkovic, a native of Montenegro, enters his sophomore campaign with significant momentum despite undergoing foot surgery this past August. He has also been named to the CBS Sports preseason First Team All-American list.
Timeline
August 2026: David Mirkovic underwent foot surgery.
October 21, 2026: The Associated Press named Mirkovic a preseason All-American.
Season Trajectory
Mirkovic's national recognition aligns with the No. 3 preseason ranking for the Illinois men's basketball team, setting high stakes for the program. His performance remains a critical variable for the team's postseason potential and championship aspirations.
With Mirkovic appearing on preseason All-American lists, his health status after August surgery is the primary indicator of his availability for early-season rotations. His high vote tally suggests he will be a central figure in the team's offensive production this year.
The takeaway
Mirkovic's preseason selection underscores the high expectations surrounding his development as a key contributor. Fans should watch his recovery progress closely as it will determine his immediate impact on the court.
Further reading
For more updates on the upcoming season, visit the Basketball section.
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