CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (Chambana Today) — Illinois forward David Mirkovic has been named the Big Ten Freshman of the Week, the conference announced Monday. The honor marks the first weekly award of the 2025–26 season.
Mirkovic, a native of Niksic, Montenegro, made an immediate impact in his collegiate debut, averaging 18.0 points, 12.5 rebounds, and 2.5 assists across a pair of Illini victories. He shot 57% from the field and an impressive 91% from the free-throw line over the two games.
In the season opener against Jackson State, Mirkovic posted 19 points, 14 rebounds, and four assists, becoming the first Illinois freshman since Kofi Cockburn to debut with a double-double. He followed up that performance with another strong outing versus Florida Gulf Coast, recording 17 points and 11 rebounds.
Through the opening week of play, Mirkovic ranks second in the Big Ten in rebounding (12.5 rpg) and leads all conference freshmen in that category.
The 14th-ranked Fighting Illini return to action Tuesday night at State Farm Center, hosting No. 11 Texas Tech at 7:30 p.m. CT.
