Illinois Basketball Retains Final Four Core

Andrej Stojaković, David Mirković, and Ivišić twins all announce returns to Illini

Apr. 17, 2026 at 5:37pm

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A fractured, cubist-style painting depicting a college basketball game, with the players and court broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in a dynamic, energetic composition.The return of Illinois' Final Four core signals a dangerous season ahead for the Illini as they look to build on their historic run.Notre Dame Today

Illinois basketball has retained a key part of its Final Four team, with Andrej Stojaković, David Mirković, and the Ivišić twins all announcing they will return to the Illini for the 2026-27 season. The Illini are working to bring back the core of the squad that made the program's first Final Four appearance since 2005.

Why it matters

Keeping this group together gives Illinois the best chance to build on its Final Four run and compete for a national championship next season. The Illini will have to replace some key contributors, but having Stojaković, Mirković, and the Ivišić twins back provides a strong foundation.

The details

Stojaković, a 6-foot-7 wing, averaged 13.5 points and 4.5 rebounds per game last season. He scored in double figures 16 times, including 21 points in the NCAA Tournament second round and 17 in the Elite Eight. Mirković, a 6-foot-9 forward, set an Illinois freshman rebounding record with 297 boards. He was named to the Big Ten All-Freshman team and the NCAA Tournament's All-South Region team. The Ivišić twins, Tomislav and Zvonimir, give Illinois a pair of 7-footers who can shoot, rebound, and protect the rim. Tomislav averaged 10.4 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 1.6 assists, while Zvonimir added 6.4 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks per game.

  • Mirković announced his return on April 17, 2026.
  • The Ivišić twins and Jake Davis announced their returns on April 17, 2026, just over six hours after Mirković's announcement.

The players

Andrej Stojaković

A 6-foot-7 wing who averaged 13.5 points and 4.5 rebounds per game for Illinois last season.

David Mirković

A 6-foot-9 forward who set an Illinois freshman rebounding record with 297 boards and was named to the Big Ten All-Freshman team and the NCAA Tournament's All-South Region team.

Tomislav Ivišić

One of the Ivišić twins, a 7-footer who averaged 10.4 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game.

Zvonimir Ivišić

The other Ivišić twin, a 7-footer who added 6.4 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks per game.

Jake Davis

A 6-foot-6 forward who made 54 3-pointers and averaged 5.4 points and 2.2 rebounds per game.

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What they’re saying

“I would say there is a dangerous summer in front of me, and after that there is a dangerous season. I know I have so, so, so, so much room for improvement. … For sure, I see myself as a leader next year.”

— David Mirković

What’s next

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The takeaway

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