David Mirkovic's impact on the Illinois Fighting Illini will be important. However, his season debut won't be in the opener, as he remains sidelined for the time being.
The native of Montenegro was on target for a breakout season after making a big impact as a freshman a year ago. He appeared in 37 games, including six starts, in his first season of college basketball at a little over 29 minutes per game. He averaged 13.3 points, 8.0 rebounds and 2.6 assists with splits of 48.4 percent shooting from the field, 37.5 percent shooting from the 3-point line.
Mirkovic initially suffered a left foot injury during an Illinois team workout in August, and there was no immediate timetable for his potential return, only that he was expected to make a full recovery.
Head coach Brad Underwood revealed a new update on Mirkovic's timeline, per reporter Kyle Tausk. He stated that Mirkovic underwent an operation on his appendix on Oct. 31, something that will further hold off his return to action for the Fighting Illini.
“#Illini David Mirkovic had an emergency appendectomy last night, further delaying his return to the court, according to Brad Underwood. Andrej Stojakovic and Zvonimir Ivisic will play in tomorrow’s season opener. Lincoln Williams will be questionable,” Tausk wrote.
What's next for Illinois amid David Mirkovic's injury
Brad Underwood emphasized the need to protect Mirkovic's health so he can be at his best for Illinois in the long term.
Article Continues Below“We always want to air on the side of patience with him in terms of making sure he’s ready for the for the long haul and that nothing reoccurs,” Underwood said, via the Champaign Room.
“It’s great opportunity for some of these young guys to continue to grow,” Underwood said. “I think I’ll look at more combinations than I will just random substitutions getting guys in the game. I expect us to be a team that plays a lot of guys throughout the season, but especially in these exhibitions.”
The Fighting Illini will get their regular season underway at home. They host the Fairleigh Dickinson Knights as tip-off commences on Nov. 2 at 8 p.m. ET.