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So what is going on exactly with Zvonimir Ivisic?
The 7-2 Croatian finally got to Kentucky only to have coach John Calipari say he was not physically ready to play in the Blue-White Game or Friday’s exhibition game against Georgetown College only to have UK Athletics issue a statement that Ivisic could not play against any outside competition until he was cleared by the NCAA.
Did something happen? How could Calipari not know he was not eligible to play?
Calipari said after Friday’s exhibition win over Georgetown there was nothing physically wrong with Ivisic.
“What happened was we asked the question, scrimmaging and the exhibition, and there was some miscommunication. We were told yes and then two nights ago we are saying he can’t play in the exhibition until he is cleared, too,” Calipari said.
“So that’s what the issue was. There was no — you know, nothing crazy. And he’s doing good. And if he were cleared, I am not sure how many European players have been cleared yet, not many, but if he were cleared my guess is he would probably be able to play at the next exhibition. But you have to get cleared first.
“I will say it again, I feel comfortable knowing what I know. I mean, I’m — you know, he played on a development team. I went as far as to call the NBA to make sure his name was pulled on time after his pre-draft stuff. And it was.
“Which is — that’s the depth that I went to just make sure before we do it (signed Ivisic). But, again, you know, it’s European, so there may be some things that they will do different because he’s a European, not a kid from the United States.”
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What Calipari knows or does not know is a closely guarded secret. He supposedly did not know that the NCAA would not clear Kanter to play, and he supposedly did not know that Sharpe had no intention of ever playing 1 second in a UK game, and now he supposedly does not know whether Ivisic will be approved, whether he had been approved previously, or anything of substance about his ability to ever play in a UK uniform. Ditto with the latest Sharpe-like creation, Bradshaw.
Either Calipari is the dumbest, least informed head coach ever possible for the gold standard basketball program, or he is the biggest liar ever to occupy that office.
I believe it is the latter, but in either case, he must be removed.
I think the fans have a right to know why Calipari is not playing Big Z.
I will slap the person that was for giving Calipari a lifetime contract. Who does that with a coach that has only won one championship.