FIBA Photo
Finally, the Zvonimir Ivisic drama is over. The 7-2 Croatian signed with Kentucky almost two months ago but his arrival on campus was delayed because he didn’t meet every admission standard even though he speaks English — and three other languages.
Kentucky coach John Calipari did not hide his displeasure over UK’s admissions office not working to make his acceptance happen sooner but now Ivisic has apparently passed the final admissions hurdle by retaking a test he did not pass earlier.
Calipari posted the good news/welcoming message on X Thursday.
Posted Thursday morning by Calipari:
“I can’t tell you how happy I am with how this all turned out. 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!” Calipari posted.
“He overcame all obstacles and just wouldn’t be deterred.”
No he would not. However, Calipari indicated in his social media post that this might not be his last international target.
“When we started recruiting Z, my mind started moving to how we can help our University become even more prominent worldwide. 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,” Calipari posted.
“Let’s continue to pursue some of the best basketball players in the world and showcase what a great institution the University of Kentucky is!”
Ivisic last 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.
5 Responses
Is he eligible or simply admitted?
If only admitted, is it for the current semester or only the spring semester?
If he will only be a student for the Spring Semester, then why would anyone expect him to play any more than that Sharpe kid played, NADA a second?
Just another fraud, and another misuse of UK resources to pad the FRAUD"S NBA directory listings.
Professor, in what I read he will be in the current semester and once clear by NCAA he’s eligible to play as the season start.
TheProfessor raises a valid point. This semester started in August. How would Z or anyone else be able to make up missing half of it? My guess would be that he has been cleared by the University to start classes in January. The NCAA will not let him play until then. If someone knows otherwise, please inform us.
This begs other questions…what is going on with Onyenso and Bradshaw? Are either of them going to be able to play, and if yes, when? Will they take part in tonight’s activities? If no, how will Calipari address that tonight?
Technically, Z could join the team in mid December when this semester’s classes have ended. Let’s hope he is able to at least practice with the team and stay in shape.
Barry , the big blue madness is next Friday night.