One of the quieter names in the transfer portal has suddenly started drawing real attention. Mihailo Petrovic, the 6-foot-3 guard from Serbia who spent last season at Illinois, is still available, and Texas Tech, Providence, Baylor and Pittsburgh are all being mentioned as teams keeping a close eye on him.
Petrovic arrived with expectations, but his role shrank fast once Keaton Wagler broke out. Wagler, a former three-star prospect, became Illinois’ engine last season, putting up 17.9 points and 4.2 assists per game on the way to a Final Four run before becoming the fifth pick in the most recent NBA Draft. That surge came at Petrovic’s expense, and the result was a limited freshman season: 19 games played, 1.6 points and 1.1 assists per game, and 33% shooting.
Now the transfer portal gives Petrovic a fresh start, and the appeal is easy to see. He can help as backcourt depth and as another ball-handler, which is exactly why several high-major programs are staying involved.
Baylor looks like one possible landing spot because the guard picture there is already crowded enough to create a path. Isaac Williams IV is back after averaging 3.3 assists per game and starting 14 contests, while the Mingo brothers - Kayden from Penn State and Dylan, the five-star prospect - are also part of the mix. If Baylor wants the Mingos operating more away from the ball, Petrovic could slide into minutes.
Pittsburgh is another team worth watching after a difficult season forced a complete roster reset. Syracuse transfer Naithan George arrives as the likely lead guard after putting up 10.9 points and 5.4 assists per game, but the depth behind him is still unsettled. Returning guard Macari Moore barely played as a freshman, and after last year’s problems at point guard, Petrovic could fit as a useful option.
Providence has a clearer starter in place with Georgetown transfer Malik Mack set to run the point, but the job behind him is still open. South Florida transfer Gavin Hightower averaged only 10 minutes per game as a freshman and remains unproven, which leaves room for Petrovic to compete for backup minutes.
Texas Tech brings a different kind of opening. Christian Anderson was one of the top point guards in college basketball last season, averaging nearly eight assists per game, but he’s gone.
The Red Raiders have added Cruz Davis and Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn, both 20-point scorers, along with Damarion Dennis from Wyoming and Amari Barrett, a three-star commit in the 2026 class. That group gives Texas Tech options, but it also leaves room for a player like Petrovic to provide depth - even if there’s a chance he could end up buried on the chart.
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