John Calipari: Zvonimir Ivisic beat ‘all obstacles’ to join Kentucky

Field Level Media|published: Thu 5th October, 19:05 2023

Jul 16, 2023; Toronto, Ontario, Canada; USA-Kentucky head coach John Calipari talks to his players during the first half of the Men's Gold game against Canada at Mattamy Athletic Centre. credits: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports

Kentucky coach John Calipari is over the moon that his latest signing, 7-foot-2 Croatian center Zvonimir Ivisic, was admitted to the university and could become eligible to play in 2023-24.

The school confirmed to multiple outlets this week that Ivisic cleared eligibility hurdles and was admitted as a student.

"I can't tell you how happy I am with how this all turned out," Calipari wrote Thursday on X, formerly Twitter. "The work was done by Big Z and his family. For him to be persistent and keep fighting was so impressive and it showed how badly he wanted to be a part of our team! He overcame all obstacles and just wouldn't be deterred."

Ivisic committed to Kentucky on Aug. 1. Per reports, his admission as an international student hit a snag before he was cleared for enrollment. He would be eligible to play for the Wildcats during the first half of the season if he gets enrolled in the already-ongoing fall semester by mid-October, the Lexington Herald-Leader reported.

Calipari made no mention of a timeline for Ivisic to appear in games for Kentucky.

"When we started recruiting Z, my mind started moving to how we can help our University become even more prominent worldwide," Calipari wrote. "This basketball program is a global brand and now we can continue to open new avenues for students to come to the University of Kentucky."

At 7-foot-2, 220 pounds, Ivisic is a strong shot blocker but also thrives offensively from long distance. He entered his name in the past two NBA drafts before withdrawing.

Ivisic, 20, played the past two seasons with Montenegro-based SC Derby of Europe's ABA League. He also represented Croatia in the FIBA U20 European Championship this summer and averaged 11.4 points, 5.3 rebounds and 3.4 blocks per game.

Kentucky currently is without two big men — Aaron Bradshaw and Ugonna Onyenso — who are recovering from foot injuries. Both are expected to be cleared to play before the regular season begins this fall.

—Field Level Media