Social Media Buzzes as Illinois Basketball Lands Another International Recruit

The Illini brought on Mihailo Petrovic, a high-producing point guard from Serbia, to add a fourth player from the Balkans

Dec 10, 2024; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois fighting Illini fans before a game with the Wisconsin Badgers at State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images / Ron Johnson-Imagn Images

For years, it was a verifiable fact that the Balkans was a region located in Southeastern Europe. Recently, though, there has been some confusion, as the area has seen a notable migration of its populace to a certain central Illinois city.

Champaign could now aptly be dubbed "The Little Balkans," but even that would be counterintuitive given that it likely holds the world record for the town with the tallest average height among its Balkan population.

On Tuesday, 6-foot-3 Serbian point guard Mihailo Petrovic announced his commitment to the Illini and his intention to join seven-foot twin brothers Tomislav and Zvonimir Ivisic (Croatia) and 6-foot-8 David Mirkovic (Montenegro) in what may be the NCAA's first-ever Balkans alliance.

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

Petrovic is a current pro who has been a difference-maker in Europe's Adriatic League, averaging 14.3 points and 7.3 assists to insert himself in the MVP discussion.

With his experience (Petrovic is 22) and skill set, he appears well-positioned to step into the point guard role left behind by fellow international-born guard Kasparas Jakucionis, who is off to the NBA.

Naturally, with Illinois landing a premier talent (and yet another overseas prospect), social media has caught ablaze. Here are a few of the best reactions:

Central Illinoisans will ace any geography test by next year

Me trying to learn where all of the 2025-26 Illinois Fighting Illini players are from: pic.twitter.com/EzCmqxisDa

— Illini Nation (@IlliniNation_) April 22, 2025

Petrovic shifting the balance

From an NBA scout pic.twitter.com/AXYdTHflPY

— ᗩᑎT ᗯᖇIGᕼT (@itsAntWright) April 22, 2025

Who needs the transfer portal?

No need for Adam Miller

Illinois goes STEALTH and snags a stud PG

Mihailo Petrovic

No need for NIL portal drama

pic.twitter.com/JzS5yRKiji

— Dariush Takhtehchian, M.D (@takhtehchianmd) April 22, 2025

Jealous much?

Not even saying this because he is an Illini, but a 22 year old pro in a good league shouldn't have college eligibility.

Where does the NCAA draw the line???

Can we get 30 year olds at this rate? https://t.co/b6zFppAem3

— Wildcat Nation (@NUcatsnation) April 22, 2025

America has a new Dream Team

Illinois is assembling a Balkan dream team this off-season, with the Serbian Petrovic, Croatian twins Zvonimir and Tomislav Ivisic, and Montenegrin David Mirkovic. Will be fun to see how it comes together. https://t.co/Hh4gxhri0x

— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) April 22, 2025

The Mecca of European college basketball

No one in CBB has invested more in recruiting Europe than Illinois.

Brad Underwood told me last summer they recruit top European events just like they would recruit Peach Jam.

Mihailo Petrovic, one of the Adriatic League's best players, is another example of that paying off.

— Kevin Sweeney (@CBB_Central) April 22, 2025

Underwood is Euro steppin'

Brad Underwood - international gangster @JonRothstein #illini pic.twitter.com/0xX1bgTTQb

— Andrew Fulk (@fulknA) April 22, 2025

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