Big Z Even Surprised UK Coaches But They Know There is More to Come

Vicky Graff Photo

If you were surprised by what Zvonimir Ivisic did in his Kentucky debut, you are not alone. Even Kentucky assistant coach Chin Coleman admitted Monday by what Ivisic did against Georgia — 13 points (5-for-7 shooting), five rebounds, three blocks, two assists and two steals in 16 minutes.

And what made it even more remarkable is that Ivisic found out only a few hours before the game that the NCAA had cleared him to play.

“I don’t think anyone expected that,” Coleman said.  “But it’s probably just an eruption of what all he’s been through in terms of being patient. Obviously having some stick-to-itiveness to go do this whole process he’s been through. Then just to finally have the opportunity to get out on the floor was probably an eruption of that.”

Once Ivisic hit his first couple of shots Coleman said it was “like shooting in an ocean” for the 7-2 Croatian.

“It’s good for him. Happy for him. Really happy for him. He finally got the chance to put the uniform on and not actually just go through warmups. He actually got an opportunity to go out there and play,” Coleman said.

Ivisic, who got to UK in mid-October from Croatia, had supposedly fallen behind his teammates due to weight loss and illness after arriving in the United States. Plus, while he had been allowed to practice, he had not played in a game. However, he certainly proved against Georgia that he could be a major contributor and obviously is someone South Carolina has to make a major part of its game plan for tonight’s game in Columbia, S.C.

“He’s got to work on a lot. He hasn’t played. He’s only played one game. He doesn’t completely understand what we’re doing,” Coleman said. “He’s got a lot to catch up to quickly but Z is a very high intelligent basketball player.

‘We don’t think that it’ll be a slow process in terms of him learning what we do, what we’re doing, and what we’re trying to get accomplished offensively and defensively. We think that he’ll be able to pick it up rather quickly.

“He’s got a lot to learn, but he’s been in our practices so he’s not that far off. Now it’s a little different when you’re available and you’re going in. So you gotta be attentive to the scout and be assignment sound and understand what we want to do in ball screens and things of that nature. But he’ll be fine.”

He could also make Kentucky “fine” if he can do the things he did in his first game and continue to progress.