CHAMPAIGN, IL (Chambana Today) – The Illinois Fighting Illini men’s basketball team officially signed Serbian point guard Mihailo Petrovic on Thursday.
Petrovic is a 6-foot-3, 180-pound point guard from Prokuplje, Serbia. At 22 years old, Petrovic joins boasting five years of youth and top-tier level basketball in his home country. He most recently played for KK Mega Basket in the Adriatic League (ABA) First Division, the same club that developed NBA superstar Nikola Jokic. Petrovic has also represented Serbia on the international stage at the youth and senior levels.
“Mihailo is the consummate point guard,” head coach Brad Underwood said. “He has a great understanding of how the game is played. He has tremendous speed, and, being a little bit older, also has a physicality about him which we like and is needed in the Big Ten. He excels in ball screens and has all the finishes; that is a big part of his game. Mihailo has been a prolific scorer at times, or a great facilitator when needed; he takes what the game gives him. We are excited to add someone with his talent, experience, and maturity to our backcourt.”
At 22 years old, it’s unclear what year Petrovic will be classed as. He’s currently the same age as rising junior Tomislav Ivisic, who played his first year of collegiate basketball as a sophomore last season. On Illinois’ official roster, he is currently listed as a redshirt, which is due to change.
