Illinois’ David Mirkovic Gets ‘Lottery Pick’ Praise From Ex-Big Ten Coach

The Illinois Fighting Illini thrilled and delighted their hometown fans at State Farm Center in Champaign, Ill. on Thursday night with a 112-70 win over the Penn Quakers, who were led by a familiar face who used to coach the Iowa Hawkeyes.

Quakers coach Fran McCaffrey matched wits with Illini coach Brad Underwood, but his team appeared overmatched as Illinois ran up 53 points in the first half, opening up a 20-point halftime lead en route to the victory.

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After the game, McCaffrey spoke about the sophomore forward who is arguably the best player on Underwood’s team, David Mirkovic, after he missed the game following left foot surgery and an emergency appendectomy.

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. Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images

McCaffrey didn’t hesitate to compliment Mirkovic at a postgame press conference while decked out in a Penn basketball half-zip sweater, as shown by Glenn Kinley of WCIA-3 Champaign.

“Well, he’s a lottery pick, ya know, he’s an incredible combination of size and skill, and, just have the utmost respect for him. He affects the game in so many ways, I just hope he gets better, I just told him I hope he feels better and gets back quickly.”

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Mirkovic’s appendix issue came to the forefront this past Saturday as he underwent an emergency procedure. He has been using a mini-scooter and a walking boot to get around the court and sidelines at State Farm Center. He appeared without the scooter on Thursday, a welcome sign of progress.

The Illini sophomore had been targeting Nov. 2’s season opener before suffering setbacks. Underwood commented on his status after the appendectomy.

“(Mirkovic) is going to be out. He has had a continued setback,” Underwood said. “He had his appendix removed…We don’t know what that means. Can’t give you any further update…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/illinois-david-mirkovic-gets-lottery-150004437.html

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Publish date : 2026-11-06 15:00:00

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