University of Illinois freshman sensation David Mirkovic has revealed whether he’ll stay in school, and he paid homage to Michael Jordan in the process.
Mirkovic, who was named to the Big Ten’s All-Freshman Team after a sparkling debut season with the Illini, made his announcement via the team’s social media channels on Wednesday.
The university cited a statement from Mirkovic that read as two simple words:
“I’m back.”
Chicago Bulls fans will undoubtedly recognize the format of the announcement, as it is the exact phrase Jordan used when he announced, via fax machine, he would return to the team in the late stages of the 1994-95 season.
While Illinois’ No. 23 will not be returning as Keaton Wagler announced he would enter the NBA Draft, Mirkovic’s return is massive news as the team tries to follow-up on its Final Four season. Mirkovic averaged 13 points and 8 rebounds per game this season with Illinois, and had a stellar NCAA tournament, including his 29-point, 17-rebound performance against Penn in the first round.
Mirkovic will be part of Illinois’ strong front court next season, and the team has already taken steps to begin rebuilding its backcourt as Wagler heads to the NBA and Kylan Boswell leaves after exhausting his college eligibility.
They’ve already landed Providence guard Stefan Vaaks in the transfer portal, and will also have Quintin Coleman, a highly touted recruit, joining the squad next season too.
The transfer portal closes on April 21.
