John Calipari Worried About Zvonimir Ivisic’s Body But Not His Eligibility

Vicky Graff Photo

No, there are no known eligibility issues yet with 7-2 Croatian Zvonimir Ivisic. No, there’s not any health issues with him, either.

The Kentucky freshman just did not play in Saturday’s Blue-White game because of a coach’s decision by John Calipari.

A week after telling fans at Big Blue Madness to get to Northern Kentucky University to get their first look at Big Z, Calipari tried to explain after the intra-squad scrimmage why Ivisic did not play.

“I mean, he was cramping (in practice) — his calves, his hamstring, his groin, his knee,” Calipari said. “I mean, he had everything going. ‘My ankle.’ And I just said, ‘Stop.’

“We could have him here, and then I’d be a man of my word. Or we could worry about the season. And I’m worried about the season. So I want to give him some time. Let’s see what this body can take.

“Now, I’m like, ‘You went three-a-days (back in Europe). How can our one practice wipe you out?’ Well, they didn’t play this way (in Europe). And it wasn’t as physical.”

Ivisic did not arrive in Lexington from Croatia until just before Big Blue Madness and still has two weeks before UK officially opens the season Nov. 6 against New Mexico State after two exhibition games.

Ivisic, 20, is still “fine” according to Calipari when it comes to being cleared by the NCAA to play this season.

“That’s not what I’m worried about,” Calipari said. “What I’m worried about is his body. My worry is: physically, how much can he play? That’s my worry.

“Now, let me say this. After three days of practice, it wasn’t a whole lot. And it was three days of practice.”