Illinois head coach Brad Underwood admitted that the coaching staff may have made a mistake earlier in the season by not giving freshman forward David Mirkovic more playing time.
The admission came after Mirkovic delivered a dominant performance in Illinois’ NCAA Tournament first-round victory over Penn. The freshman recorded a remarkable double-double, finishing with 29 points and 17 rebounds in the team’s 105-70 win.
His 29-point effort set a new Illinois freshman record for points in an NCAA Tournament game and highlighted how much the young player has developed throughout the season.
Mirkovic’s Breakout NCAA Tournament Performance
| Opponent | Penn |
|---|---|
| Result | Illinois 105 – Penn 70 |
| Points | 29 |
| Rebounds | 17 |
| Achievement | Illinois freshman NCAA Tournament scoring record |
Mirkovic played a key role in Illinois’ comfortable victory and showcased his ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor.
The performance also drew praise from Underwood, who acknowledged the forward’s growth over the past several months.
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Brad Underwood Reflects on Coaching Decisions
During a media session, Underwood spoke openly about how the coaching staff handled Mirkovic earlier in the season.
The Illinois coach admitted that there were moments during the early part of the year when the staff chose not to play the freshman because of inconsistent practice performances or perceived matchup issues.
| Coach Comment Summary | Details |
|---|---|
| Early Season Concerns | Inconsistent practices |
| Coaching Decision | Reduced playing time in some games |
| Coach Reflection | Admitted it may have been a mistake |
| Current View | Mirkovic has become a key player |
Underwood explained that some of those decisions may have been misjudgments from the coaching side.
He also emphasized that Mirkovic’s improvement throughout the season is a result of his work ethic and commitment to development.
Mirkovic’s Role This Season
Despite the early doubts, Mirkovic has become one of the most important players on Illinois’ roster.
| Category | Stat |
|---|---|
| Points Per Game | 13.8 |
| Rebounds Per Game | 8.0 |
| Average Minutes | 29.3 |
| Games Started | 32 of first 33 |
The freshman has been a consistent presence in the lineup and has developed into one of the team’s most valuable contributors.
Early Season Playing Time
Although Mirkovic eventually secured a major role, there were a few games earlier in the season when his minutes were limited.
| Game | Minutes Played |
|---|---|
| vs UConn (Nov. 28) | 18 minutes |
| vs USC (Feb. 18) | 21 minutes |
These games represented some of the lowest playing time totals of his season.
Underwood acknowledged that the coaching staff initially believed certain matchups might not favor the freshman, which led to those reduced minutes.
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Growth Throughout the Season
Underwood credited Mirkovic’s improvement to his dedication and effort during practices and games.
The Illinois coach also noted that the staff has learned how to use the freshman more effectively as the season progressed.
| Development Factors | Impact |
|---|---|
| Work ethic | Continued improvement |
| Coaching adjustments | Better use of his strengths |
| Experience gained | Increased confidence |
According to Underwood, Mirkovic’s rise is a clear example of how young players can develop quickly when given opportunities.
Looking Ahead for Illinois
Illinois will continue its NCAA Tournament campaign with a second-round matchup against VCU.
As the team prepares for the next challenge, Mirkovic is expected to remain a central figure in the rotation after his record-setting performance.
His continued development could play a significant role in Illinois’ hopes of making a deep run in March Madness.
