Illinois Basketball Retains Key Players for 2025-2026 Season

Majority of Illini's Final Four core to return next year, agent confirms

Apr. 16, 2026 at 2:23am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting overlapping basketball players and court elements in a vibrant color palette, capturing the dynamic energy of Illinois basketball.The Illini's returning core of talented players will make them a force to be reckoned with in the 2025-2026 season.Indianapolis Today

Several key Illinois basketball players who were critical to the team's Final Four run this past season will be returning to Champaign for the 2025-2026 campaign, according to their agent Misko Raznatovic. This includes Tomislav Ivisic, Zvonimir Ivisic, Jake Davis, and rising sophomore David Mirkovic.

Why it matters

The return of these players solidifies Illinois as one of the top teams in the nation next season, as they will account for around 60% of the team's production from last year. This provides stability and continuity for the program as they look to build on their Final Four appearance.

The details

The four returning players - the Ivisic brothers, Davis, and Mirkovic - combined to average 35.5 points and 20.3 rebounds per game last season. They also shot 36.5% from 3-point range, providing perimeter scoring to complement the team's interior presence. While the Illini will need to replace some key scorers in Kylan Boswell and Keaton Wagler, the return of this core group takes pressure off the coaching staff to rebuild the roster from scratch.

  • On April 16, 2026, agent Misko Raznatovic confirmed the return of the Illini players for the 2025-2026 season.

The players

Tomislav Ivisic

A key player for the Illinois Fighting Illini basketball team who was critical to their Final Four run last season.

Zvonimir Ivisic

The twin brother of Tomislav Ivisic, also a key contributor for the Illinois basketball team.

Jake Davis

An important player for the Illini who will be returning for the 2025-2026 season.

David Mirkovic

A rising sophomore who will be back in Champaign next year after a strong freshman campaign.

Misko Raznatovic

The agent who confirmed the return of the Illini players for the 2025-2026 season.

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What they’re saying

“These returnees will account for about 60% of its production from last season, and solidify Illinois as one of the top teams in the nation next season.”

— Misko Raznatovic, Agent

What’s next

With the core of the team returning, Illinois will look to build on its Final Four appearance and compete for a national championship in the 2025-2026 season.

The takeaway

The return of key players like the Ivisic brothers, Jake Davis, and David Mirkovic gives Illinois basketball a strong foundation to build on after their successful Final Four run. This continuity should make the Illini one of the top contenders in the nation next season.