Illinois star returner has Brad Underwood blown away by progress from Year 1 to Year 2

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Illinois star returner has Brad Underwood blown away by progress from Year 1 to Year 2 originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

In college basketball, the "freshman wall" is a well-documented phenomenon. Players arrive with talent, but they often lack the physical maturity and the consistent, high-level approach required to compete nightly in the Big Ten.

For Illinois forward David Mirković, the transition into year two has been marked by a noticeable evolution, one that coach Brad Underwood believes is setting the stage for a breakout season.

Underwood has been vocal about the natural progression players make when they move from their first to their second year in the program. The difference, he noted, is rarely just about skill—it’s about the integration of physical strength and mental assurance. Mirković’s presence in the gym stands out, he said.

"Best thing about freshmen is that they become sophomores," Underwood said. "You see the confidence in that. With that comes experience, and then you start putting the physical changes [Mirković’s] made."

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The physical changes have been a focal point for the coaching staff, who have worked closely with Mirković to optimize his frame for the rigors of high-major basketball. According to Underwood, the staff has dialed in exactly what Mirković needs to thrive.

"We found a body weight that’s very comfortable for him, and now it’s adding muscle; it’s adding strength," Underwood said. "I think when you pair that with confidence, you have one of the best players in the country."

Underwood also credited Mirković’s commitment to the program’s conditioning and preparation standards for his current trajectory. In an era where players often overlook the necessity of elite-level conditioning, Mirković is embracing the work led by the strength and conditioning staff, specifically noting the role of strength coach Adam Fletcher.

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"I think he truly understands the benefits of [Adam Fletcher] and getting his body right, being in the best shape he can be, being the best prepared he can be," Underwood said. "I think he understands he’s one of the best players in college basketball, and he wants to capitalize on making the most of that opportunity."

As Mirković prepares to take on a larger role, the expectation is that this combination of confidence and physical readiness will make him a matchup nightmare in the Big Ten.

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