Illinois men's basketball player David Mirkovic underwent surgery Tuesday for a left foot injury sustained during a team workout on Friday. The sophomore forward is expected to be sidelined for six to eight weeks, according to reports.
The college basketball season is scheduled to commence in 13 weeks, with teams beginning play in early November. The Fighting Illini are slated to open their season on November 2 against Fairleigh Dickinson.
Mirkovic, a 6-foot-9 forward, had a notable freshman season, averaging 13.3 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game. He earned All-Big Ten honorable mention and was named to the Big Ten All-Freshman Team. He was also selected to the NCAA Tournament All-South Region Team as the Illini reached the Final Four.
Head coach Brad Underwood had previously stated that Mirkovic appeared physically improved heading into the upcoming season and was poised to demonstrate greater confidence on the court. Mirkovic himself posted on social media that he "will be back soon."