Illinois Basketball Opener Injury Updates: Who's In and Who's Out?

Tomislav Ivisic (tonsils): Active

Tomislav Ivisic, who was held out of Illinois' exhibition contest against Illinois State a couple weeks ago, is cleared to return to the court. Given that he was recovering from his tonsils being removed, Ivisic shouldn't have any lingering problems or on-court difficulties.

Andrej Stojakovic (knee): Questionable

According to Rothstein, whose source was Underwood himself, Andrej Stojakovic will “probably be a game-time decision." Stojakovic has been in recovery from a knee injury for quite some time now, though it seems Illinois is just being extremely cautious with the situation. Even if he’s held out of the opener, all signs point towards a Stojakovic return in the next week or two – if not sooner. 

Mihailo Petrovic (hamstring): Out

Mihailo Petrovic will be held out of action vs. Jackson State, forcing Kylan Boswell and Keaton Wagler to pick up ball-handling duties. Petrovic, who did play in a limited capacity against Florida in the closed-door scrimmage last Saturday, should be back in due time.

Ty Rodgers (knee): Out

Ty Rodgers, who suffered a knee injury that required surgery over the summer, is the lone Illini whose timetable remains entirely unknown, as Underwood has yet to confirm if the swingman will even return in 2025-26. Naturally, Rodgers will be held out of action in the opener.

What it all means

Illinois is, understandably, remaining cautious with all of its injured players at such an early point in the season. Although the Illini desperately need to get their starting five on the court together soon, the absence of Stojakovic and Petrovic may be beneficial in the long run.

Wagler and fellow freshman Brandon Lee will receive more tick as a result of the injuries, allowing them to get their feet wet, and, ideally develop into true contributors, providing Illinois with exceptional depth.

Nevertheless, the Illini don’t have much time before things really ramp up. After a pair of glorified scrimmages (Jackson State and Florida Gulf Coast), they will welcome No. 11 Texas Tech to the State Farm Center. To stave off the Red Raiders, Illinois will undoubtedly need to be at full health – or very near it.