Building Connections
David Mirkovic was taken aback when he entered Kylan Boswell’s room and spotted all the LEGO sets he had assembled. This moment marked more than just two teammates sharing interests; it fostered a sense of belonging for Mirkovic, a 19-year-old who had journeyed approximately 5,500 miles from his home.
A Shared Hobby
“In my country, to be honest, no one does that,” Mirkovic expressed. “I was seen as a weirdo there. Finding someone who shares my passion made me really happy.” Boswell noted that Mirkovic showed him his LEGO creations, but he couldn’t help but boast about his own collection, which features a “massive” Batmobile. The bond cultivated between two players from different continents was particularly meaningful.
Settling in at Illinois
Mirkovic adapted to life at Illinois quickly, aided by his connection with fellow LEGO fan Boswell, as well as his prior relationship with the Ivisic twins. Together, they had developed their skills in SC Derby, Montenegro, where Mirkovic played alongside Tomislav Ivisic in the Adriatic League.
Finding His Place
Ivisic mentioned that the Illinois coaching staff first expressed interest in Mirkovic last season. As Mirkovic continued to perform well, their interest deepened. After committing in early April, he reached out to Ivisic to gather information about college basketball and Illinois.
Excitement About His New Journey
Mirkovic’s enthusiasm for college basketball and the Illinois program hasn’t diminished since his arrival in Champaign. During a recent media event, teammates and coaches praised the vibrant personality he brought to the team. “He’s just a clown,” Boswell noted, pointing out Mirkovic’s knack for humor and competitiveness.
Competitive Spirit
Illinois coach Brad Underwood highlighted Mirkovic’s fierce competitiveness and skill. At 6-foot-9 and 255 pounds, Mirkovic adds a unique blend of strength and agility to the court. “You wouldn’t want to get into a fight with him,” Underwood remarked, emphasizing Mirkovic’s strong spirit in practice.
Versatile Skill Set
Underwood aims to refine Mirkovic’s engagement with officials, as he tends to draw fouls. However, Antigua praised Mirkovic’s combination of physicality and skill. “He’s a bull in a china shop but has incredible feel and touch,” he explained. Mirkovic’s former experience as a point guard enhances his playmaking skills. “Passing is my favorite thing to do on the court,” he stated, a sentiment that resonates well with Underwood, known for valuing players with passing abilities.
