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I don’t know Zvonimir Ivisic and the only brief conversation I’ve had with the Kentucky 7-footer was at UK’s Media Day before the season started when he was hoping to be declared eligible soon,
Remember he did not arrive on campus from Croatia until mid-October after finally being admitted by UK. He enrolled for the “half semester” I didn’t know was even possible and has been practicing with the team.
He’s had several setbacks from food poisoning and illness but the hope has been there that the NCAA would declare him eligible. However, that hope even seems to be fading for Ivisic.
The freshman has not met with the media again since UK’s Media Day and teammates have talked about hoping he would be joining them soon on the court in games. However, Ivisic took to social media finally and it certainly does not sound like he’s optimistic about playing.
From what I can tell, it’s the first time he’s actually posted on X since arriving in Lexington. He has reposted a few posts by others but this was the first direct comment on anything from him.
“I met with Coach Cal and discussed going home for the holidays,” Ivisic posted on X (formerly Twitter) on Wednesday. “My family and I worked really hard to gain admission to Kentucky, which took quite a while. With the ups and downs of this process, it’s been stressful and emotional for me and my family, but I can tell all of BBN that I’ve done everything I can. I’ve obtained a 3.25 GPA.
“I love this school. I love my teammates and going against other great players every day in practice. I love being coached and challenged and I’m hoping to hear that I can play soon. Go BBN!!”
It’s hard not to feel for him and the situation where he obviously was told becoming eligible should not be an issue but getting into UK was an issue and now getting NCAA clearance is an issue.
If he goes home after the Louisville game, will he return if he’s not declared eligible?
Honestly, it would surprise me if he does because he can find somewhere to play in Europe to get ready for the draft and even though he’s practicing against high level competition, not getting to play in games has to be hard on him.
Maybe by indicating he hopes to know something “soon” he feels good news is coming.
17 Responses
NCAA is a joke.if he was at Duke he would be playing.need to do away with the NCAA
It is puzzling for sure Tim
Or UCLA, or UNC, or Houston, or…. Anywhere else. The NCAA, (somewhat, but not very) quietly is perpetually punishing UK for,(long, long ago) having a racist coach named Adolf Rupp and refusing to take his name off the stadium. It’s BS. The NCAA is a corrupt organization. They do exactly what FIFA was doing when the FBI came in and cleaned house. Why won’t the FBI do the same for the NCAA? Padded pockets???
Amen Nathan. It is total BS. UCLA had a player declared eligible several months ago. The NCAA drags their feet when it comes to Ky.
Tim is 100% right. This is just like Enos Kanter.
The NCAA is just a bunch of F’ing hoosiers that have always had it out for Kentucky.
Can’t disagree with anything said here. As my grandma use to say "something don’t smell right" ! !
I agree with Tim. To paraphrase. John Lennon " imagine there’s no NCAA" It feels pretty good if you ask me
It shouldn’t take this long to qualify any player.This young man might just make UK.to good and that is what the NCAA official’s just can’t let happen,I agree it this was DUKE OR NC.HE WOULD BE PLAYING NOW.
Just read that after today, NCAA is closing the doors for the holidays until Jan 2nd. Unless they release a stalemate today of his status things are not looking good for big Z as a wildcat. Damn shame the NCAA is holding a leach to this kid. Not right!!!
I really don’t think he’s going to play at UK
If he was at ucla or Kansas, no problem. Uk is always on the ncaa watch list for some reason. Just want to let Big Zee know bbn has his back. Love you Zee!
If the NCAA cannot become more accountable and efficient they should be dismantled. Make a decision on these kids and announce it one way or another. These kids need to go on with their lives as well, either way. Should be more of an outrage about how slow the board is taking.
Something needs to change.
I agree with everything that has been said here. HOW LONG does it take to be declared eligible? Depends on which school for which one is trying to declared eligible.
Apparently a long time Darleen. Ridiculous
I think it’s absolutely ridiculous that want clear him to play and everyone is right if it was any other school other then UK he would be playing!!!
should just let him play and the heck with the NCAA
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