Brand Underwood Updates Injury Status of Star Forward David Mirkovic

The Illinois Fighting Illini basketball team’s second-leading scorer among returnees is power forward David Mirkovic, who brings NBA height and strength to the power forward position along with deadeye shooting that makes Illinois a tough team to defend.

Mirkovic made headlines in early August as he suffered a fractured left foot injury that required surgery, which derailed the offseason training plans of who coach Underwood called him “one of the best players in college basketball.”

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On Wednesday, Underwood shared an update on Mirkovic’s recovery from the injury, and it read as good news for a team with national title hopes.

Apr 4, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini forward David Mirkovic (0) shoots the ball against UConn Huskies forward Tarris Reed Jr. (5) during the first half of a semifinal of the Final Four of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium. Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

Underwood gave a round of key updates at the Champaign-Urbana Kiwanis Club on Wednesday, where Illinois players spoke as part of the Annual Illinois Basketball Tip-Off Classic event, as shared in quotes from WCIA-3 journalist Glenn Kinley.

“Mirk was, is out of the boot,” Underwood said. “(Illinois athletic trainer) Justin Games has done an unbelievable job with him and his recovery, and of course, Mirk is gonna be Mirk, he’s gonna do everything possible to make himself right as quickly as he can.”

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Underwood noted that the Fighting Illini will take things slowly with Mirkovic to ensure the recovery goes as planned.

“So, you know, we’ll progress slowly with that, but it’s nice to see him out of the boot and start strengthening, all of that.”

Underwood was asked about a potential timeline for Mirkovic’s return to the court.

“No timeline with Mirk,” he said. “Safer, than sorry, is kinda the way we’re lookin’ at this, we want to make sure he’s completely healthy, that we’re not hurting him for the long run,” Underwood added.

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Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/brand-underwood-updates-injury-status-190031702.html

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Publish date : 2026-09-10 19:00:00

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