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Big Ten embraces international talent in basketball rosters

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: May 30, 2026, 2:46 PM

Last updated May 30, 2026

Big Ten embraces international talent in basketball rosters
Summary

As teams prepare for the 2026-27 season, 17 of the 18 Big Ten basketball programs have recruited international players. Illinois showcases a diverse lineup featuring David Mirkovic from Montenegro, the Ivisic brothers from Croatia, Andrej Stojakovic from Greece, and Stefan Vaaks from Estonia. This trend highlights the growing influence of international talent in college basketball, positioning the Big Ten as a significant player in this evolving. Iowa remains the only program without any international representation on its roster as of now.

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Key Details
  • •17 of 18 Big Ten teams have international players
  • •Illinois features four international athletes
  • •Iowa has no international players on its roster
  • •Trend reflects broader changes in college basketball
  • •International recruitment becoming more prominent in the Big Ten
Latest Updates
  • 2:46 PMYahoo Sports — Good Morning, Illini Nation: Going global?
What they're saying
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May 30—Seventeen of the Big Ten's 18 basketball teams have at least one player on the roster for the 2026-27 season born outside of the United States. Iowa has zero. Several of more than one, including Illinois with David Mirkovic (Montenegro), Tomislav and Zvonimir Ivisic (Croatia), Andrej Stojakovic (Greece) and Stefan Vaaks (Estonia). That's not unique to the Big Ten. International players ...

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