Zvonimir Ivisic first player to follow John Calipari to Arkansas

Field Level Media|published: Mon 15th April, 19:55 2024

Mar 6, 2024; Lexington, Kentucky, USA; Kentucky Wildcats forward Zvonimir Ivisic (44) attempts a lay up during the second half against the Vanderbilt Commodores at Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center. credits: Jordan Prather-USA TODAY Sports

Kentucky center Zvonimir Ivisic announced Monday that he will join coach John Calipari at Arkansas.

The 7-foot-2 Croatian freshman entered the transfer portal over the weekend and is now the first player to join Calipari's roster at Arkansas. Calipari left Kentucky for the SEC rival school earlier this month.

Ivisic wrote in a social media post that he met new Kentucky coach Mark Pope and came away believing Pope will "do big things" in Lexington.

"With all that being said, I made the lifetime decision to come to college for a few reasons," Ivisic wrote. "Main ones to win a national championship and go to the NBA. Monumental part of that decision was coach Cal, and no one does both of those at the same time (better) than him. That's why I am excited to announce that I am committing to coach Cal and Arkansas Razorbacks! Woo Pig Sooie!!!"

Ivisic was a late addition to Kentucky's roster in 2023-24 as he had to clear eligibility hurdles before being admitted as a student in October, weeks before the start of the season.

He got into 15 games and averaged 5.5 points, 3.3 rebounds and 1.3 blocks in 11.7 minutes per game off the bench.

—Field Level Media