# Illinois' David Mirkovic Named AP Preseason All-American

> David Mirkovic, an Illinois Fighting Illini forward, earns AP Preseason All-American honors after a strong summer recovery.
- Title: Illinois' David Mirkovic Named AP Preseason All-American
- Summary: David Mirkovic, an Illinois Fighting Illini forward, earns AP Preseason All-American honors after a strong summer recovery. Illinois' David Mirkovic becomes…
- Keywords: illinois fighting illini, david mirkovic, ap preseason all american, college basketball, ncaa tournament, preseason all americans, sports, Illinois', David, Mirkovic, Named, Preseason
- Source: Illinois Fighting Illini On SI — https://si.com/college/illinois/basketball/season-expectations-illinois-david-mirkovic-named-ap-preseason-all-american
- Published: 2026-10-22T02:42:15+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: illinois fighting illini, david mirkovic, ap preseason all american, college basketball, ncaa tournament, preseason all americans, sports
## AP Preseason All-American Team
The Associated Press released the 2026-27 preseason All-America team on Wednesday.
## Illinois' David Mirkovic on List
Illinois' David Mirkovic was one of five players named to the 2026-27 AP Preseason All-American team.
## Voting Breakdown
Mirkovic received 24 votes from a 58-person panel, while Jeremy Fears Jr. and Thomas Haugh got 57 and 56 votes respectively.
## Mirkovic's Background
Mirkovic was an All-Big Ten honorable mention last season but is now considered one of the nation's top five players.
## Recovery and Role
Mirkovic recovered from a broken foot and will step into a larger role for the preseason No. 3 Illini.
## Mirkovic's Skills
Mirkovic shot nearly 40 percent from deep as a freshman and is one of the best playmaking bigs in the country.
## Athleticism Concern
Mirkovic's athleticism was reportedly bolstered in the offseason, though his recovery from injury remains uncertain.
## Historical Context
Last year's preseason All-Americans included four players who made the postseason All-American teams.
## Likely Outcome
Mirkovic is likely to earn similar honors at the end of the season based on past trends.
## Key takeaway

Illinois' David Mirkovic becomes one of five AP Preseason All-Americans for 2026-27 basketball season.