Since the 2023-2024 season, the Illini have had three All-Big Ten award honorees every year, and there’s a good chance they can do it again, here’s how.
It’s no secret the return of sophomore David Mirkovic has been widely talked about in the college basketball community. The forward slashed 13.3/8.0/2.6 last year, and was named to the Big Ten All-Freshman team. In recent 2027 NBA mock drafts, experts have Mirkovic going in the first round; CBS Sports notably has him at pick No. 11 to the Philadelphia
76ers.
However, Mirkovic recently underwent surgery on a fractured left foot at the end of July. If Mirkovic makes the recovery predicted, he has an argument to be a Big Ten Player of the Year candidate.
Incoming freshman Quentin Coleman has a chance to come in and immediately make a splash on this Illini roster. Coleman is a 6-foot-4 shooting guard who has the chance to be the Illini’s main ball handler this year. The freshman spent his early summer playing on the USA U-18 national team, and averaged 11.2/11.4/2.5 in five games. Coleman has already gotten attention in 2027 NBA mock drafts as well, most saying he could be Illinois’ fifth first round pick in four years.
Coleman is likely to have an immediate starting spot on this roster, putting him in conversations for Big Ten Freshman of the Year.
Senior guard Andrej Stojakovic made waves this summer after entering his name into the NBA Draft, and then subsequently deciding to return to Illinois for his final college basketball season. Last year Illini fans did not get a full year of a healthy Stojakovic, after he missed the start of the season due to a knee injury, and then a pair of games in February after an ankle sprain.
Stojakovic was a reliable initiator for Illinois last year, often subbing into games during scoring droughts to light a spark. During the NCAA Tournament, Stojakovic averaged 13.8 points of the bench for the Illini, and shot 55% from the field. With Stojakovic taking on a consistent starting spot as a four year player, it’s likely we’ll see him get some sort of nod, whether it be second team or honorable mention.
