We are just a little over a month away from returning to Illini hoops. A new season means new faces in Champaign, which raises one question: Who will be the Illini’s leader?
After bringing in four new transfers — Andrej Stojakovic, David Mirkovic, Zvonimir Ivišić, and Mihailo Petrovic — Illinois will have no shortage of fresh talent. But with so many new pieces, the bigger question remains: Which of the four will lead Brad Underwoods squad?
Some Illini fans assume Stojakovic will step into that role
after being the splash acquisition this offseason. Others think Mirkovic has shown promising talent so far this summer. But you can’t write off the others just yet.
Andrej Stojakovic – Cal Transfer
Stojakovic arrives in Champaign with plenty of hype. A former McDonald’s All-American and the son of former NBA sharpshooter Peja Stojakovic, his name alone grabs headlines.
He transfers from Cal, where he averaged 17.9 PPG, shooting 42% from the field and 31% from beyond the arc. On paper, he looks like the obvious choice to be Illinois’ main man, but the Big Ten is a different grind. His ability to carry that load against tougher defenses will go a long way in deciding whether he really becomes the Illini’s leader.
David Mirkovic – Nikšić, Montenegro
Mirkovic enters his freshman season with the Illini after playing the last two seasons for SC Derby in the Adriatic League. In that span, he averaged 7.8 PPG and 5.2 RPG in 50 career games. In the 2022 FIBA U16 European Championship, Mirkovic averaged 22.1 PPG, along with 10.3 RPG.
For a freshman, he already has experience on the big stages, and if he adjusts quickly like he’ s shown this summer, he could be the kind of inside presence Illinois has been seeking.
Zvonimir Ivišić – Arkansas Transfer
This ones gonna be a lot of fun. The Illini acquired Big Z back in April, teaming him up with his twin brother, Tomislav. Ivišić averaged 8.5 PPG and 4.3 RPG last season with the Arkansas, shooting 47% from the field and 37% from three.
Pairing him up with Tomislav gives Underwood a rare combination of size and versatility. If his game translates consistently, Ivisic has the tools to become one of Illinois’ most impactful players right away.
Mihailo Petrovic – Prokuplje, Serbia
Petrovic might not have generated the same offseason buzz, but his production overseas was impressive. In 30 games last season with KK Mega Basket in ABA and Serbian RK Cup, he averaged 14.2 PPG, 2.8 RPG, shooting 49% from the field and 33% from beyond the arc.
He profiles a steady shooter who can contribute across many spots on the floor, and that kind of versatility can make him an important piece in a crowded rotation.
The truth is, nobody knows yet who will be “the guy” for Underwood’s squad. Maybe it’s the highly touted Stojakovic, maybe the under-the-radar Mirkovic, or maybe one of the Ivišić twins or Petrovic. That’s what makes this season so intriguing: Illinois isn’t just replacing its previous stars, it’s searching for its next one.
