Illinois star David Mirkovic, an Associated Press preseason first-team All-American, has suffered another setback, undergoing an emergency appendectomy Saturday night, coach Brad Underwood told reporters Sunday.
Mirkovic, who had offseason foot surgery that is expected to sideline him at the start of the season, led Illinois to the school's first Final Four appearance in 21 years in April. The 6-foot-9 forward averaged 13.3 points and 8.0 rebounds per game while making 38% of his attempts from beyond the arc.
Mirkovic had made progress in his recovery from the left foot surgery but was placed in a boot last week. It's unknown what the appendectomy means for Mirkovic's timeline.
No. 3 Illinois begins its season Monday night with a matchup against Fairleigh Dickinson in Champaign.
"[Mirkovic] is going to be out. He has had a continued setback," Underwood told reporters. "He had his appendix removed last night. We don't know what that means. Can't give you any further update than that. Obviously, that means he won't be in uniform [on Monday]."
Illinois returns the nucleus of last season's roster and adds Quentin Coleman, a potential first-round pick in the 2027 NBA draft.
Mirkovic was placed back in a boot in late October and has been using a scooter to move around. Underwood did not offer a timetable for his return after he was placed back in the boot.
Mirkovic's absence could affect Illinois and its seeding on Selection Sunday, as the team will have major nonconference opportunities against Texas Tech, Duke and UConn in the next month -- potentially without its best player.