Story byThe News-Gazette, Champaign-Urbana, Ill.

Good Morning, Illini Nation: Higher frontcourt expectations

Scott Richey, The News-Gazette, Champaign-Urbana, Ill.Wed, July 22, 2026 at 2:47 PM UTC·2 min read

Jul. 22—Central to Illinois' retention efforts this offseason was bringing back its frontcourt basically intact. While Ben Humrichous played a key role off the bench last season, the 6-foot-9 forward occupied more of a wing role.

The true frontcourt was all Balkans — David Mirkovic and twins Tomislav and Zvonimir Ivisic. A trio that together average 30.1 points, 18.1 rebounds, 4.5 assists and 2.9 blocks while combining to make 135 three-pointers.

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And Brad Underwood wants more from those three. A lot more. Particularly on the defensive end of the court.

"We've got to get better," the Illinois coach said. "I think that's the biggest thing. We should be an elite shot blocking team. We've got great size. We're bigger than we were last year. We've got to find the aggressive button a little more when it comes to being in some passing lanes, but, most importantly, protecting the rim and blocking shots. I think this team can be very good in that area.

"It goes hand in hand with we've got to become an elite defensive rebounding team so we can get out and run. I love our size. We're just trying to tweak and change a few things — more in mentality and, yes, some in scheme. I think, defensively, we've got a chance to be really special. It's still the same concepts we've had, but we've just got to do it with more assertion, with more tenacity and with more emphasis on my part in terms of trying to create a steal or two and blocking more shots. Z was one of the top (shot blockers) in the country, but it can't just be him. It's got to be everybody."