David Mirković Shines in Debut for Illinois with Impressive Stats

David Mirković made a striking debut for the University of Illinois, showcasing his talent in an exhibition match against Illinois State, which ended in a decisive 92-65 victory. The young Montenegrin player contributed significantly with 19 points, 14 rebounds, and 6 assists, marking a promising start to his collegiate basketball career.

The 19-year-old forward, standing at 193 cm and weighing 113 kg, caught the attention of sports media and fans alike. An article in Sports Illustrated raised the question, “Does Illinois have a new star?” The publication noted that Mirković possesses qualities reminiscent of NBA star Nikola Jokić, a three-time MVP. Ryan Pedon, head coach of Illinois State, remarked on Mirković’s impressive skill set, stating, “He has something of Jokić in him.”

Pedon emphasized that prior to Mirković’s arrival, the coaching staff could only assess him through video footage, leaving some uncertainty about the level of competition he faced. He praised Mirković’s mobility, ball-handling, passing, and shooting abilities, highlighting his substantial physical potential. “For a big guy, he moves well,” Pedon added, noting the importance of keeping such talent on the team for as long as possible.

Despite the strong debut, Brett Underwood, head coach of Illinois, expressed caution. While he was impressed with Mirković’s performance, he acknowledged that the journey ahead would require patience. Underwood commented, “As good as he was in the first game, we still don’t know exactly what we have available.” He recognized Mirković’s unique combination of size and skill, particularly noting his background as a former point guard, which adds versatility to his play.

Reflecting on his gameplay, Mirković shared insights into his approach. “Coaches have always pushed me to advance the ball quickly after grabbing a rebound. That’s what they want me to do here as well. I feel comfortable doing it since I’ve played point guard before,” he explained.

Underwood envisions a future where Mirković may achieve remarkable feats, such as a triple-double in an Illinois jersey. Yet, he cautioned that there will be challenging days ahead. “There will always be adjustments. The next step for these guys is analyzing game footage and preparing for how other teams will attack us,” he noted.

Mirković is one of six Montenegrin players joining the NCAA this season, alongside notable talents like Luke Bogavac (North Carolina), Andrija Grbović (Arizona), Vladimir Sudar (Pepperdine), Marko Radunović (Boston), and Fedor Žugić (Creighton). As the NCAA season opens in early November, Mirković’s journey in American college basketball is just beginning, and fans are eager to see how he builds on this promising start.