Illinois Basketball Adds Another International Prospect – Perhaps Its Best Yet

The Illini landed Mihailo Petrovic, a point guard from Serbia who is an MVP candidate in the now-familiar Adriatic League

Mar 23, 2025; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Brad Underwood reacts during the second half in the second round of the NCAA Tournament against the Kentucky Wildcats at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images / Benny Sieu-Imagn Images

While college basketball coaches across the country have been playing checkers, it appears Illinois’ Brad Underwood has been playing chess. Why chase NCAA transfers all over the country when you can close deals with international prospects all over the world – or, even better, in one pocket of Southeastern Europe?

On Tuesday afternoon, Underwood added his fourth Balkan-region player to the Illini roster, and he arguably saved the best for last.

NEWS: Mega Superbet PG Mihailo Petrovic has committed to Illinois, agent Misko Raznatovic told ESPN. The 22-year-old Serbian is an MVP candidate in the Adriatic League, ranking second in assists (7.3 per game) and top-10 in scoring (14.3 ppg). Big pickup for Brad Underwood. pic.twitter.com/2363F0nuHk

— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) April 22, 2025

Mihailo Petrovic, a point guard from Serbia, will join Illinois big men Tomislav and Zvonimir Ivisic, as well as David Mirkovic, to create perhaps the most potent European-flavored roster in college basketball.

This season in the Adriatic League – in which the Ivisic twins and Mirkovic have also competed – Petrovic is averaging 14.3 points and 7.3 assists, and is considered an MVP candidate, according to Jonathan Givony of ESPN.

With Underwood recently speaking on seeking experience in the transfer portal, it appears he has outdone himself by potentially finding something even better: professional experience.

Sure, Kasparas Jakucionis and Tomislav Ivisic both arrived in Champaign with pro reps under their belts, but Petrovic's dossier is on another level.

To put it in perspective, Jakucionis averaged 3.5 points (in a different league), while Ivisic averaged a career-high 7.1 points in the same league that Petrovic has dominated.

At 22 years old and with proven professional success, Petrovic offers the Illini an experienced table-setter with scoring ability and a solid-enough three-point shot (33.8 percent this season).  

Expect Petrovic to slide into the starting lineup alongside Kylan Boswell, pushing the junior guard off the ball into a role similar to that he played next to Jakucionis last season.

More From Illinois on Sports Illustrated:

Illinois Coach Brad Underwood Seeking Experience in Transfer Portal

Illinois Basketball 'In the Mix' for Elite Transfer Portal Prospect

Cal Transfer Andrej Stojakovic Set to Visit Illinois Campus on Tuesday