Mirkovic to Miss Illinois Basketball Exhibition Against Baylor
The Illini forward remains sidelined for Friday's game as he continues his recovery process.
Updated on Oct. 22, 2026 in Basketball
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Illinois basketball coach Brad Underwood confirmed that David Mirkovic will not play in Friday's exhibition game against Baylor. The staff is exercising caution during his recovery to ensure he is ready for the upcoming regular season.
Why it matters
Managing player health during the exhibition period is critical for Illinois as the coaching staff looks to integrate their roster ahead of the regular season opener. Protecting key players from re-injury remains the priority as the team prepares for a challenging non-conference schedule.
Illinois opened their exhibition schedule with a 105-96 victory over Cincinnati, featuring Brett Decker averaging 17-18 points per game. The team continues to utilize a rotation that saw nine players log double-digit minutes in that initial matchup.
The players
Brad Underwood
He serves as the head coach for the University of Illinois men's basketball team.
David Mirkovic
He is a forward for the Illinois basketball team currently recovering from an injury.
Brett Decker
He is an Illinois basketball player who has demonstrated significant scoring production in exhibition play.
The details
David Mirkovic is currently undergoing a recovery program that includes shooting drills, pool therapy, and conditioning in the training room. While he is sidelined, the coaching staff is using tape to develop a defensive scouting report aimed at neutralizing Baylor's backcourt.
Timeline
October 24, 2026: Exhibition game against Baylor.
October 28, 2026: Exhibition game against UIC.
November 2, 2026: Regular season opener against FDU.
November 10, 2026: Game at Texas Tech.
Season Trajectory
The decision to hold Mirkovic out of the Baylor game reflects the team's broader strategy for navigating the 2026 exhibition schedule. Balancing player health during these early matchups is essential to ensure the rotation is fully prepared for the upcoming regular season opener.
The absence of Mirkovic shifts the available minutes in the rotation for the exhibition against Baylor. Fans should monitor the participation of other frontcourt players as the staff continues to evaluate lineup combinations before the November 2 season opener.
The takeaway
Maintaining long-term health through careful conditioning is a standard practice for college basketball programs during the pre-season. Athletes often follow specialized rehabilitation protocols like pool therapy to facilitate a return to play without risking setbacks.
What happens next
David Mirkovic is expected to return to the court by the game at Texas Tech on November 10.
Further reading
For more on the team's progress, visit the Basketball page.
Live Poll
Should your local college basketball team prioritize long-term player health over winning early season games?
