Illinois' Jake Davis Embraces 'Honorary Balkan' Role with European Teammates

The Indiana native has bonded with his international teammates, earning the nickname 'honorary Balkan' on the Final Four-bound Illini squad.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 4:18am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a basketball game between Illinois and UConn, with the players' forms broken down into abstract shapes and planes of color, conveying the energy and movement of the game.The cultural diversity of the Illinois men's basketball team has been a key factor in their Final Four run, as players from different backgrounds have come together to form a tight-knit 'Balkan bunch'.Champaign Today

Illinois men's basketball has six players on its Final Four roster from Europe, creating a 'Balkan bunch' in Champaign. While junior guard Jake Davis is from Indiana, he has embraced the European culture of his teammates and earned the nickname 'honorary Balkan' from them. Davis has gone out of his way to help his international teammates adjust to life in the U.S., and they plan to repay him with a trip to their home countries this summer.

Why it matters

The strong team chemistry between Davis and his Balkan teammates has been a key factor in Illinois' success this season, as the Illini have navigated cultural differences to reach the Final Four. Davis' willingness to immerse himself in his teammates' backgrounds highlights the importance of fostering an inclusive environment, especially for international student-athletes adjusting to life in the U.S.

The details

Davis, who is from McCordsville, Indiana, has become 'like 40% Balkan' according to his roommate Tomislav 'Tomi' Ivisic. The junior guard has gone out of his way to help his European teammates, from bringing them back to his home state to assisting them with adjusting to American life. In return, the Balkan players plan to take Davis on a trip to their home countries this summer.

  • Davis joined the Illini roster in the 2024-25 season.
  • Illinois is set to face UConn in the 2026 Final Four this Saturday.

The players

Jake Davis

A junior guard from McCordsville, Indiana who has embraced the European culture of his Illinois teammates and earned the nickname 'honorary Balkan'.

Tomislav 'Tomi' Ivisic

A 7-foot-1 center from Illinois who was the first European player to join the team and has helped Davis connect with the other international teammates.

Brad Underwood

The head coach of the Illinois men's basketball team, who has praised Davis for his efforts in helping the international players feel at home.

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What they’re saying

“'Before I came here, [Tomislav Ivisic] told me that Jake [Davis] was kind of Balkan. He was just American, but he had something Balkan in him.'”

— Mirkovic

“'He's like 40% Balkan now,' Tomislav 'Tomi' Ivisic said of his roommate, Davis.”

— Tomislav 'Tomi' Ivisic

“'You probably got to be a little bit crazy,' Illinois head coach Brad Underwood said of Davis being welcomed into the Euro's circle. 'Which, Jake probably is.'”

— Brad Underwood, Illinois head coach

What’s next

Davis plans to travel to his Balkan teammates' home countries in Serbia, Croatia, and Montenegro this summer.

The takeaway

Jake Davis' willingness to immerse himself in his international teammates' cultures and help them adjust to life in the U.S. has been crucial in building the strong team chemistry that has propelled Illinois to the Final Four. His 'honorary Balkan' status highlights the importance of fostering an inclusive environment for student-athletes of diverse backgrounds.