Mirkovic Out After Emergency Appendectomy
Illinois forward David Mirkovic will miss the season opener after an emergency appendectomy while recovering from a broken foot.
Updated on Nov. 1, 2026 in Basketball
Illinois forward David Mirkovic underwent an emergency appendectomy Saturday night, adding to a setback from a broken left foot. Coach Brad Underwood offered no timetable for his return, and Mirkovic will miss Monday's opener against Fairleigh Dickinson.
Why it matters
Mirkovic was a preseason Associated Press All-America honoree and a key contributor as a freshman, so his absence thins an already depleted Illinois rotation. The uncertain return leaves the team's early-season plans open-ended.
Mirkovic averaged 13.3 points, eight rebounds and 2.6 assists as a freshman, production the Illinois lineup will have to replace. His return date remains undetermined, and no update has been provided on his recovery timeline.
The players
David Mirkovic
Illinois forward and preseason Associated Press All-America honoree who averaged 13.3 points as a freshman and is on the Karl Malone Award watch list.
Brad Underwood
Illinois head men's basketball coach who provided the update on Mirkovic's condition and offered no return timetable.
The details
Mirkovic had resumed some contact work in practice earlier in October before returning to a protective boot and scooter ahead of the Oct. 23 exhibition against Baylor. Freshman wing Lincoln Williams is also questionable after slipping and falling in practice.
Timeline
Oct. 23: Mirkovic appears in a protective boot before the Baylor exhibition.
Saturday night: Mirkovic undergoes emergency appendectomy.
Monday: Illinois opens its season against Fairleigh Dickinson without Mirkovic.
Thursday: Illinois is expected to play Penn without Mirkovic.
November: Illinois plays road games at Texas Tech and Duke.
Season Trajectory
Mirkovic is one of 20 candidates on the Karl Malone Award watch list, and an extended absence would put that early-season standing at risk. The injury arrives as Illinois prepares for demanding November road games at Texas Tech and Duke.
With Mirkovic out, Illinois' rotation shifts toward its remaining healthy players, affecting fantasy projections and minutes distribution for the early schedule. Fans tracking the team should watch updates on Lincoln Williams' status as well.
The takeaway
Injuries to key freshmen-turned-starters can reshape a team's early identity, and Illinois will need depth to step up while Mirkovic recovers.
What happens next
Illinois plays Penn on Thursday and opens November road games at Texas Tech and Duke, with Mirkovic's status for those contests yet to be determined.
Further reading
Follow the latest on the Illinois basketball program as the team navigates its depleted early-season rotation in Champaign.
