Illinois forward David Mirkovic underwent an emergency appendectomy Saturday night, ruling him out for the Fighting Illini’s season opener against Fairleigh Dickinson on Monday, according to ESPN. Illinois coach Brad Underwood confirmed the surgery and said the team has no further details on what it means for Mirkovic’s availability going forward.
The 6-foot-9 forward was named a preseason first-team All-American by the Associated Press heading into this season. Mirkovic averaged 13.3 points and 8.0 rebounds per game last season while shooting 38% from three-point range for an Illinois squad that reached the Final Four.
What Underwood Said About The David Mirkovic Appendectomy
Underwood did not sugarcoat the situation when discussing Mirkovic’s status. “He is going to be out. He has had a continued setback.
He had his appendix removed last night. We don’t know what that means. Can’t give you any further update than that.
Obviously, that means he won’t be in uniform,” Underwood said, referring to Monday’s opener.
The appendectomy adds to a string of health issues for Mirkovic this fall. He had left foot surgery in August and was placed back in a walking boot in late October before the emergency procedure, according to ESPN.
Frontcourt Options Without Mirkovic
No corresponding roster move or starting lineup change has been announced. With Mirkovic sidelined, Illinois’ frontcourt depth will be tested, and twins Tomislav and Zvonimir Ivisic are positioned to absorb a heavier workload in the paint, according to Sports Illustrated. That frontcourt rotation has already shown it can produce in bunches, as detailed in Total Apex Sports’ coverage of Illinois’ scoring depth this season.
Mirkovic’s Role And Season Context
Mirkovic entered this season as one of the centerpieces of an Illinois team ranked No. 3 nationally and picked by many to contend for a Big Ten title. His 13.3 points and 8.0 rebounds per game last season made him a focal point of the frontcourt rotation that helped carry the Illini to the Final Four.
Medical sources cited by Sports Illustrated indicate that a full recovery from an appendectomy typically takes about six weeks, which would put a potential return in mid-December. No official timeline has come from Illinois or Underwood beyond confirming Mirkovic will miss Monday’s game.
What’s Next For Illinois
Illinois opens its season Monday night against Fairleigh Dickinson without Mirkovic in uniform. The non-conference schedule soon turns difficult, with matchups against Texas Tech, Duke and UConn on the calendar that will test the frontcourt rotation while Mirkovic’s recovery continues. No further update on his status has been given beyond Underwood’s comments following the surgery.
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