HC Brad Underwood Releases Statement After Illinois Star David Mirkovic Undergoes Emergency Surgery

The Illinois men’s basketball team’s preparations for the 2026-27 season have taken an unexpected hit, with one of its most important returning players facing a medical setback. David Mirkovic, who was already working on a return from offseason foot surgery, has now undergone an emergency procedure after developing appendicitis. Head coach Brad Underwood addressed the situation ahead of the Fighting Illini’s season opener. “Mirk is gonna be out,” he said in a media scrum , recorded and posted to X by beat reporter for The Daily Illini, Sahil Mittal. “I can’t give you any further update than that.