FIBA Photo
He turns 20 years old next week and has already put his name into the NBA Draft twice. He has a terrific shooting touch even from 3-point range and has shown he can be an effective shot blocker.
And new Kentucky basketball commit Zvonimir Ivisic of Croatia is also 7-2.
After what has seemed like a relatively short courtship with Kentucky, he announced his commitment to coach John Calipari’s team on social media early Tuesday.
“I got the offer for scholarship by Coach Calipari to attend the University of Kentucky,” Ivisic posted on Instagram. “I’m excited to tell that I accepted the scholarship and will play there next season. Go Big Blue!”
Later he told Jonathan Givony of Sports Illustrated via Instagram that Kentucky was the “best spot in the US for talented basketball players.”
He also has paid close attention to how many players Calipari has sent to the NBA since that is where he wants to be next year.
He recently played in the FIBA U20 European Championship and averaged 11.4 points, 5.3 rebounds and 3.4 blocks per game and shot 34 percent from 3-point range while playing 19 minutes per game for Croatia.
“Ivisic is a surprising and significant addition in August,” Givony wrote. “Ivisic is a formidable shot-blocking presence who can step out to the 3-point line and finish with authority around the basket. He brings excellent mobility for a player of his height.”
The 7-footer has been playing in Montenegro for two years with his twin brother, Tomislav Ivisic, at SC Derby (Studentski Centar Podgorica) . He averaged 7.1 points, 5.2 rebounds, 1.3 blocks and 14.5 minutes per game in the Adriatic League. In the playoffs he averaged 15.7 points and 8.3 rebounds per game.
So how excited should Kentucky basketball fans be over this latest commitment? Is he a program-changer or just insurance because of the injuries to Aaron Bradshaw and Ugonna Onyenso?
He has the skills to potentially fit into Calipari’s position-less basketball because he can put the ball on the floor, pass and hit 3-pointers. However, he pulled out of the recent NBA draft because he was regarded as a fringe second-round prospect because he has been turnover prone and can take a lot of shots.
Even though he’s 7-2, he weighs only about 220 pounds and will not be an inside banger to counter physical SEC players. He’s a shot blocker but can have trouble staying in front of the player he’s guarding.
However, the obvious feeling for Calipari and his staff is that he’s a potentially valuable piece to a team that already seems to have bonded and has great team chemistry. It’s not every day you get a 7-footer with special ball skills but for every minute he plays, there will be someone currently on the roster who will lose playing time.
3 Responses
Larry he is both.
At best. If he builds strength(which the other two bigs need as well) and improves his pick and roll footwork he will be a welcome addition and game changer. He has a quick release on his shot and can play above the rim in pick and rolls. His ability to pick and pop looks better than the other two bigs. The fact that he has played 2 years professionally should mean he has more actual game experience against players his age than most on our roster.
At Worst. He is another 7 footer who adds needed depth to a front court that needs depth. If the past is any indication there is no guarantee that the two injured bigs will be contributors anytime soon. We have to wait and see!
So he is both. He has the potential to be Great but at the very least he is provides needed depth. He is the one who will determine which is true(same with every player). If he puts in the work and improves his game as his potential suggest this will be a special team come March!
Glad to see the program isn’t imploding and that the sky isn’t falling as a lot of people like to say. Looking forward to watching them play!
KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK! !
GO BLUE OR STAY HOME! !
If he will let the game come to him like Mitchell has done, he could be a solid addition, especially by tourney time. He needs to bulk up some, focus more on defense and rebounding, and not force the issue on offense. He could easily be a 14-12-5-5 guy and that would get him on an NBA team, but if he has 6 turnovers a game and is only a 25% shooter from 3, he will be insurance for us and will be going back to Europe. He will need to be an 75% shooter from the foul line because he will get banged on inside. Let’s see if he can mesh with the team and not be a chemistry killer.
Potentially both, if he proves to be coachable. If he is not that coachable, then he at best he becomes potential insurance. With that said, him being highly coachable, it is important for UK, but critical to his future. Sacrifice, fit into the system, build his body, grow his total game, and soak in American culture, that is what his focus needs to be!