Chambana Sun

Head coach Brad Underwood announced on Monday that David Mirkovic has signed a Big Ten Athletics Aid Agreement with the University of Illinois. Mirkovic, a 6-foot-9-inch, 255-pound power forward from Niksic, Montenegro, joins the Fighting Illini after two seasons with SC Derby in the Adriatic League First Division (ABA). This league also produced Illini twins Tomislav and Zvonimir Ivisic. Mirkovic has international experience representing Montenegro at both youth and senior levels.

"David Mirkovich is a talented forward with a tremendous skill set who plays with great effort and physicality," Underwood said. "He has perimeter skills and shooting ability to go along with that frame, and he'll be a great complement to our other frontcourt players. David fits well into our offensive scheme and will also provide us with rebounding and a needed physicality and presence defensively."

During his time at SC Derby, Mirkovic played in 50 ABA games, averaging 7.8 points and 5.2 rebounds. In the 2024-25 season, he improved his performance, averaging 8.6 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game. He achieved double-digit scoring in 11 out of his last season's games for SC Derby.

Mirkovic also participated in the U19 ABA League Championship for four consecutive years. In three appearances this season, he averaged impressive statistics: 23.3 points, 14 rebounds, 4.7 assists, along with significant defensive contributions.

On an international level, Mirkovic represented Montenegro in FIBA youth tournaments in 2022 and 2023 before debuting for the Senior National Team at the FIBA EuroBasket Qualifier in 2024. At various European Championships between these years, he posted notable averages including being one of the youngest competitors.

In addition to these achievements, he drew attention at NBA's Basketball Without Borders (BWB) events as well as Adidas Next Gen showcases during both years leading up to his most recent participation for the World Select Team at Nike Hoop Summit held on April 12 in Portland.