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It sounds like Zvonimir Ivisic and Kentucky basketball fans have found something in common.
“My guess is he’s a little frustrated with me,” Kentucky coach John Calipari joked Wednesday at UK’s Media Day. “But there seem to be a lot of people frustrated with me, so that’s okay.
“Like I always do, I’m gonna look after the kids and try to do what I think is best for them and us.”
Calipari had just revealed that it was unlikely Ivisic would play in Friday night’s exhibition game against Georgetown. He also did not play in last week’s Blue-White Game at Northern Kentucky University.
Instead, Calipari has put the 7-2 Croatian into “ramp-up mode” to try and get him ready to play.
Ivisic was scheduled to work out on the side rather than go through full “body to body” workouts Wednesday after Media Day. Calipari said after that he would decide if the freshman could go full speed in Thursday’s practice.
Calipari said Ivisic’s UK debut likely would come Nov. 3 against Kentucky State in UK’s second exhibition game.
“I want him to be at his best. We’ll continue the ramp-up,” Calipari said. “He’s not going (full contact in practice) today. He’s going to do individual work but he’s not going to go body-to-body with his teammates.
“So, if you all know, I’m normally the guy that says, if you’re not going to practice (the day) before, you’re not going to play the game.”
Calipari did not totally rule Ivisic out of Friday’s exhibition game but clearly is in no hurry to rush him. Ivisic arrived in Lexington on Oct. 12 and started full practice Oct. 18.
“I’m just telling you, when I saw him the first time, I think it was his excitement to be playing. Alright, this is what I’m seeing. But he’s gonna be fine. I’m just a little leery,” Calipari said. “I think we threw him in a little bit too fast, with what we did.
“And it was good. I mean anybody that came in and watched was like, ‘Yeah, he’s good.’ He’s a good basketball player. He’s not like King Kong. He’s not. He’s another piece for us.”
He’s also apparently convinced Calipari he’s going to be great with teammates.
“I’m proud of him. We love him. Gonna be so good for this team. He’s a basketball player. Everybody that’s come in contact with him loves,” the UK coach said. “I love what this kid has done. I mean, for him to go through what he did when he could have just said, ‘I’m going to another school.’ He didn’t. Said, ‘I want to be there.’”
4 Responses
I wish Calipari would leave these kids alone and let them play. He keeps F’ing with them and will have them so unsure of themselves that they will be afraid to play.
Cal was safe guarded him , just learn not eligible to play outside competition until clear by NCAA.
should have said he’s not allowed to play any exhibition games per NCAA. This news came out today.
What is the NCAA timeline for Big Z? And why isn’t he cleared with them yet.. anyone know what the hold up is on that front?
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