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Fairly quickly, Illinois has turned into an NBA-talent-producing powerhouse. Ayo Dosunmu just signed a colossal contract. Terrence Shannon Jr. is carving out his role in the league. Kasparas Jakucionis and Will Riley went back-to-back in the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft after each put in just one season in Champaign.
And on Tuesday night, Keaton Wagler was selected No. 5 overall by the Los Angeles Clippers, just over two months after leading the Illini to a Final Four appearance. So, who is up next? (Spoiler: it may be the majority of Illinois’ projected rotation.)
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Ranking Illinois basketball’s top 2027 NBA Draft prospects
Feb 1, 2026; Lincoln, Nebraska, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini forward David Mirkovic (0) shoots against Nebraska Cornhuskers guard Sam Hoiberg (1) during the second half at Pinnacle Bank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dylan Widger-Imagn Images | Dylan Widger-Imagn Images
No. 6: David Mirkovic
Rising sophomore forward David Mirkovic may not have the typical physical traits associated with an NBA player – namely, vertical explosion – but he certainly possesses the most important attribute: He can really hoop.
In recent years, NBA front offices have gone away from viewing prospects through such a one-dimensional lens. Thanks to Luka Doncic and Nikola Jokic, a 40-inch vertical is no longer a basic requirement to wind up on teams’ draft boards.
And with Mirkovic’s ability to shoot (37.5 percent on threes in 2025-26), rebound and, above all else, create for both himself and his teammates, he will undoubtedly earn an opportunity at the next level in due time.
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That said, his game is better suited for the college level. And although he may get second-round looks in 2027, Mirkovic will likely be best off seeing the majority, if not all of, his college career through.
No. 5: Zvonimir Ivisic
Mar 28, 2026; Houston, TX, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini center Zvonimir Ivisic (44) shoots against the Iowa Hawkeyes in the second half during an Elite Eight game of the…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/illinois-top-2027-nba-draft-033245752.html
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Publish date : 2026-06-26 03:32:00
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