The renowned Nike Hoop Summit, held in Portland, recently showcased the most skilled basketball players globally. Among the standout talents was the exceptional David Mirković from SC Derby. The nineteen-year-old forward represented the World Team, which faced a 124:114 defeat against their U.S. counterparts.

In Portland, Mirković scored eight points in 15 minutes, contributing three rebounds, one assist, and one block. Notably, he made a positive impression on the coaching staff from the University of Illinois, which will be his next career destination.

“The invitation was unexpected, as I received it late. I’ve been training and preparing all year, eagerly waiting for this opportunity. It’s an amazing experience to play there. The basketball environment is different, and I met new teammates. I believe I made a favorable impression,” Mirković shared with “Vijesti”.

This was Mirković’s first experience at the event in Portland, but he is no stranger to significant events, having participated in the NBA camp in Indianapolis last year and EuroLeague tournaments.

“This opportunity means a lot to me. It’s a chance to evaluate how much I’ve progressed and how I compare to other talented players my age. The camp in Indiana had a profound impact on me, and now this event in Portland will help me adapt better when I move to the U.S.,” Mirković explained.

While in America, it was announced that Mirković will join the University of Illinois for the upcoming season.

“I had an inkling I would play for Illinois before the news was made official. I received numerous offers but chose Illinois for the playing time, my future role, and because of Tomislav and Zvonimir Ivišić, who will also be there. I maintain regular contact with them, and we share a common language,” Mirković stated regarding his former SC Derby teammates.

During his stay in Portland, he also met Illinois coach Brad Underwood.

“After the game, I was with him and the assistant coaches, and they were very pleased with my performance.”

College, according to Mirković, is merely a stepping stone towards his ultimate goal – the NBA.

“My plan is clear: aim for the NBA. I believe that playing in college will serve as a bridge to achieve that goal,” Mirković noted.

Besides David, Andrija Grbović from SC Derby will also head to college next season, with his destination being Arizona.

“I didn’t expect that, but I believe he’ll do great because Andrija is a fantastic person. I wish him all the best,” Mirković commented.

After two seasons with SC Derby’s senior team in the AdmiralBet ABA League, Mirković will transition to college. This season, he recorded an average of nine points and 6.5 rebounds.

“Both this season and last have been extraordinary experiences for me. Competing at this level at 17, 18, and 19 against more mature players will greatly benefit me in college, where I’ll be playing against younger fellows, those only a year older or my own age.”

The SC Derby player has progressed through all junior national team categories, making his senior debut for the Montenegrin national team in February during a EuroBasket qualifier against Sweden in Stockholm.

“It means a great deal to me. Sharing the locker room with our top basketball players was unexpected, and their acceptance was very warming. I cherish those days with the national team,” Mirković emphasized.

A season of ups and downs, but we are all more experienced now

SC Derby secured its place in the AdmiralBet ABA League but fell short of reaching the playoffs. After 28 rounds, the students hold a 10-17 record with one game remaining.

“This season has been filled with ups and downs. However, the team is considerably younger and less experienced compared to last year. I think the inexperience caused several surprising losses. Nevertheless, we have all grown significantly this season,” Mirković added.

He also believes the team deserves greater support from fans during matches in the ABA league.

“It’s quite puzzling to me; I can’t reconcile with that fact. I observe other teams in different leagues consistently playing to packed stadiums. This is the ABA League, a higher tier of competition. Even if the team comprises mostly non-Montenegrin players, the arena should always be filled,” David Mirković concluded.

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