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AIPROPX ReportYahoo Sports · 1h ago
Which ‘Balkan Block’ member will make the biggest jump this season?
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — With a loaded roster returning to State Farm, expectations in Champaign are incredibly high. But which returner will exceed those expectations?
The easiest answer would probably be sophomore forward David Mirkovic, who was already somewhat in the spotlight last season, and is primed for a massive year filled with confidence. Mirkovic averaged 13.3 points and 8.0 rebounds per game last season, and Illini fans will be expecting those numbers to climb even higher. His 3-point shot continued to develop throughout the season, and Mirkovic is now a real two-way scoring threat for the Illini.
The point-forward is ready to take initiative on all sides of the court. Strength coach Adam Fletcher has been putting him to work in the weight room, which will help him bully defenders in the paint even more than he did last year and become a pest on defense and on the glass.
When thinking about who will pick up the scoring load, Illini fans can’t forget about their second-leading scorer last season, Andrej Stojakovic. The veteran forward, now entering his senior year, couldn’t be stopped at the rim last season for Illinois, averaging 13.5 points and 4.5 rebounds per game. However, Stojakovic couldn’t find rhythm from behind the arc. If he can rediscover the efficiency he showed at Stanford and Cal, his scoring averages could take a massive leap.
His defensive and rebounding efforts were seen in flashes last year, especially when Underwood challenged him. When he put his mind to it, he excelled at it. And after a full year under Underwood’s wing, Stojakovic’s defense and rebounding could be the finishing touch to rounding his game and making an even bigger impact for Illinois than he did during his debut season in Champaign.
Tomislav Ivisic saw a bit of a drop-off last season compared to his sophomore year, partly due to the absence of Kasparas Jakucionis’ pick-and-pop assists, and partly due to a drop in 3-point percentage: Tomislav shot 35% from 3-point range in his sophomore year, and 31% last season. His averages went from 13.0 points and 7.7 rebounds per game to 10.4 points and 5.6 rebounds per game.
But Tomislav’s second half of the 2025-26 season looked much better than the first half, and he looked more like himself. With the drop in his 3-point shot, he improved his low block shooting. This offseason could be the key to him returning to his old form, and even exceeding it, if he knocks down the triple and fights for boards.
Tomislav saw a lot more court time than Zvonimir did last season, but will that change? Will they become a true one-two punch in the paint?
Zvonimir was recruited by Underwood because of a few key aspects: positional size and 3-point shooting. When the Illini brought him in, he was coming off of a season with the Arkansas Razorbacks where he shot 37% from 3-point range. Last season, he only shot 28% from range for Illinois.
But still, he made an impact by protecting the rim with 72 blocks. His 12.9% block rate ranked No. 1 in the Big Ten and No. 4 nationally. If Big Z continues to put on muscle, Illini fans could see an improvement in his paint scoring and rebounding. If that’s paired with his 3-point shot coming back, Zvonimir could be battling Tomislav for playing time.
Jake Davis, an honorary member of the Balkan Block, started in the mud and worked his way up to a starting role for Illinois last season. How did he do it?
Well, besides his prolific, consistent 3-point shot and high basketball IQ, Jake was willing to do the dirty work. Diving for loose balls, crashing the boards, closing out on shots. After a season of proving himself and stepping up during Boswell and Stojakovic’s injuries, Jake’s confidence could take him a level higher and see him take more initiative on offense next season.
TCR readers, which Balkan do you think will improve the most?
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