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The Illinois Fighting Illini have lost its first player from the 2025-26 Elite Eight team to the transfer portal, with sophomore point guard Mihailo Petrovic leaving Champaign. A touted international recruit from Serbia, Petrovic was expected to be the starting point guard for the Illini heading into the season. Of course, the unprecedented rise of Keaton Wagler from three-star prospect to second-team All American played a major role in Petrovic struggling to get playing time.
NCAA eligibility issues and nagging injuries delayed Petrovic's start to the season. After missing the first four games of the season, Petrovic debuted on November 19th against Alabama at the United Center, scoring 3 points and dishing out 5 assists in 12 minutes. Petrovic scored a career-high 12 points in 16 minutes against UTRGV on November 24th. He played a season-high 18 minutes against UCONN on Black Friday, showing an ability to penetrate but not necessarily finish at the rim, going just 1-for-7 from the field, dishing out 2 assists, committing 3 turnovers and picking up 3 fouls. After that UCONN game, Illinois Head Coach Brad Underwood decided to turn the offense over to Wagler, and the rest was history.
Petrovic barely saw time the rest of the season, though he did spark the Illini with 4 points and 3 rebounds in 6 minutes during a January 17th home victory against Minnesota. Unfortunately, things just didn't work out for Petrovic, with this move expected and probably best for all parties involved.
Petrovic seemed like a good kid and teammate, with some dubbing him "The Human Victory Cigar" as he was inserted late into blowout victories. Petrovic did a wonderful job during the Illini's Senior Night victory against Oregon, setting up AJ Redd for a three off a beautiful pass from in between his legs. Overall, though, Petrovic looked a bit sped up on both ends of the court court when he did play earlier in the season, at least against UCONN at Madison Square Garden.
Here's hoping Petrovic can find a better situation, with a second year in America leading to a better adjustment and more comfort, as it just wasn't meant to be in Champaign for various reasons. As is the case with any player who dons the Orange and Blue and seemingly carries himself the right way, I appreciate Petrovic and wish him the best of luck in his basketball playing future. I highly suggest watching the Every Day Guys video to see Petrovic interacting with David Mirkovic prior to the start of the season. Besides being entertaining, the video shows how these international players have a lot more than basketball to adjust to when coming to the United States.
NCAA eligibility issues and nagging injuries delayed Petrovic's start to the season. After missing the first four games of the season, Petrovic debuted on November 19th against Alabama at the United Center, scoring 3 points and dishing out 5 assists in 12 minutes. Petrovic scored a career-high 12 points in 16 minutes against UTRGV on November 24th. He played a season-high 18 minutes against UCONN on Black Friday, showing an ability to penetrate but not necessarily finish at the rim, going just 1-for-7 from the field, dishing out 2 assists, committing 3 turnovers and picking up 3 fouls. After that UCONN game, Illinois Head Coach Brad Underwood decided to turn the offense over to Wagler, and the rest was history.
Petrovic barely saw time the rest of the season, though he did spark the Illini with 4 points and 3 rebounds in 6 minutes during a January 17th home victory against Minnesota. Unfortunately, things just didn't work out for Petrovic, with this move expected and probably best for all parties involved.
Petrovic seemed like a good kid and teammate, with some dubbing him "The Human Victory Cigar" as he was inserted late into blowout victories. Petrovic did a wonderful job during the Illini's Senior Night victory against Oregon, setting up AJ Redd for a three off a beautiful pass from in between his legs. Overall, though, Petrovic looked a bit sped up on both ends of the court court when he did play earlier in the season, at least against UCONN at Madison Square Garden.
Here's hoping Petrovic can find a better situation, with a second year in America leading to a better adjustment and more comfort, as it just wasn't meant to be in Champaign for various reasons. As is the case with any player who dons the Orange and Blue and seemingly carries himself the right way, I appreciate Petrovic and wish him the best of luck in his basketball playing future. I highly suggest watching the Every Day Guys video to see Petrovic interacting with David Mirkovic prior to the start of the season. Besides being entertaining, the video shows how these international players have a lot more than basketball to adjust to when coming to the United States.
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4:38 p.m Update: Illinois has had a second player enter the transfer portal, 6'8'' Croatian forward Toni Bilic, who joined the team midseason but did not suit up/dress for any games. Bilic and Petrovic are represented by the same agent, Misko Raznatovic. This move is not surprising as Bilic's addition to the Illinois program was seemingly a favor for Misko, according to what I've read the last few months. Misko represented six Illinois players this past season. Bilic got a chance to acclimate to the United States while developing with an Illinois program renowned for its strength and conditioning. Bilic could often be seen celebrating with the Illinois players on the court after the Illini's tourney run. For Bilic, it had to be a fun ride to join a team that reached the Final Four. It will be interesting to see where Petrovic and Bilic end up. Best wishes to both players!
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