David Mirkovic in leadership role: 'Coach is giving me an opportunity'
· Yahoo Sports
Jul. 9—CHAMPAIGN — David Mirkovic's intention this spring was to return home to Montenegro and play for the senior national team.
Mirkovic did get some time back home in Niksic after the spring semester ended. A needed break after Illinois' season extended into early April with a Final Four run.
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But it was just the one trip. Mirkovic returned to Champaign after spending some downtime with his family and decided to stay. The change of heart was the result of a conversation with the Illinois coaching staff and some inner reflection about what he wanted to prioritize.
"All my life, I'm going to have the chance to play for my national team," Mirkovic said late Wednesday at Ubben Basketball Complex after the conclusion of another summer practice.
"But heading into this season and what opportunity we have — not just me, but as a team — I think is much more than, like, two games with the national team," the Illinois sophomore forward continued.
Mirkovic chose to stay in Champaign to put his team and his own development first. Choosing to play for Montenegro would have cost him roughly three weeks. Time he's spent working both with strength and conditioning coach Adam Fletcher, the Illinois coaching staff and a partially retooled roster featuring six other returning players and seven newcomers.
"I think he truly understands the benefits of Fletch and getting his body right," Illinois coach Brad Underwood said. "Being in the best shape he can be. Being the best prepared he can be. Those opportunities are always going to be there with his national team.
"He's an outstanding player," Underwood added. "I think he understands he's one of the best players in college basketball and wants to capitalize on making the most of that opportunity and felt like that was being here."
Fletcher has already seen the benefits of Mirkovic having a full offseason in the weight room and in a conditioning program. The 6-foot-9 forward has dropped 20 pounds and is moving on the court better.
A necessity with Illinois' plans for Mirkovic this coming season. "Point Mirk" will be a bigger part of his role, with the ball in his hands more and a fine-tuned face-up game more important. Not to mention the defensive benefits that will increase his versatility at both ends of the court.
Fletcher said a focus of Mirkovic's offseason workouts has been movement based. Speed work coupled with improving his functional strength, which Fletcher calls an "ability to move like a basketball player."
"His athleticism is starting to turn the corner, so you'll see a lot of that especially on the defensive side of the ball," Fletcher continued. "He'll be able to guard multiple positions a little bit better. His first step has gotten better. You'll see that on his ability to drive the ball from the wing. He'll be able to put more pressure on the rim from the offensive side of the game."
Fletcher has put in that work with Mirkovic for a reason. The Illinois coaches wanted Mirkovic to stick around this summer for a reason.
What the Illini are building for the 2026-27 season is centered around their dynamic point forward.
"Since I came back, the coaches want to get me into what I would say is a leader role," Mirkovic said. "It's different when you are here every day with the guys, spending every day with seven newcomers. Since I was younger, with the national team and in SC Derby, I was always kind of a leader.
"I learned that's a role I love the most. That's a role I can expand all my abilities to the fullest. Coach is giving me an opportunity. I've just got to keep working."
Mirkovic announced his return to Illinois for the 2026-27 season in mid-April. He was the first of five Illini to make the decision for another year together, another year to chase a national championship.
Doing so still requires evolution both for Mirkovic and the team as a whole. The 20-year-old Montenegrin understood where he needed to turn his focus to ensure growth. Controlling his emotions when necessary would be vital. Making good decisions on the court equally so.
Not to mention continuing to experiment and expand his game. The foundation is there after he averaged 13.3 points, a team-high 8.0 rebounds and 2.6 assists as a Big Ten All-Freshman Team selection and an honorable mention All-Big Ten pick, but Mirkovic sees himself doing more.
So do the Illinois coaches.
"I'm trying to change my role and style of play since last year," Mirkovic said. "I'm trying to play a lot on the ball and bring the ball up, attack, space, face up. Being a primary ball handler and having the ball most of the time.
"I had it (last season), but there was Keaton (Wagler). That was like a superstar player that had to have the ball. This year, I'm going to have it even more in my hands. The coaches trust me to make all the decisions on the court, and it means a lot."