Why David Mirkovic Will Be Illinois’ Most Valuable Player in 2026-27

The best college basketball teams are exceptionally balanced. Illinois was last season – and it wound up in the Final Four. Michigan certainly was – and its campaign culminated in a national title. But both of those squads also featured players who were clearly the most critical piece of the puzzle (Keaton Wagler for the Illini and Yaxel Lendeborg for the Wolverines).

Heading into the 2026-27 season, Illinois has a handful of candidates who may be capable of filling that role. The initial thought is that Andrej Stojakovic, who passed up on the NBA Draft to run it back with the Illini, is primed for that responsibility. But what about transfer guard Stefan Vaaks (Providence), who will have the ball in his hands perhaps more often than any other Illini?

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Either Stojakovic or Vaaks may wind up being Illinois’ “No. 1 option,” but we don’t expect either player to have the most impact on Brad Underwood’s club. That honor will belong to rising sophomore forward David Mirkovic. Here’s why:

David Mirkovic’s freshman season – and what makes him so special

Dec 6, 2025; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini forward David Mirkovic (0) celebrates a three-point shot by guard Keaton Wagler (23) against the Tennessee Volunteers during the first half at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images | Steve Roberts-Imagn Images

There is no overstating the brilliance of Mirkovic’s first season in Champaign. The sturdy 6-foot-9 big man averaged 13.3 points, 8.0 rebounds and 2.6 assists on an excellent 56.1 shooting percentage from inside the arc and 37.5 percent beyond it.

He was one of the premier rebounders in the Big Ten – on both ends – was a top-notch shooter from deep and a playmaking savant in the post. Offensively, Mirkovic wasn’t just positionless – he was capable of truly owning any responsibility.

Pick-and-roll (or pop) screener? Mirkovic was a perfect fit – but he could also be the ball-handler. The Illini could play through him in the post – and he…

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Publish date : 2026-06-29 20:48:00

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