John Calipari details ramp-up process for Zvonimir Ivisic

Those around the bluegrass are craving the opportunity to get to see the eventual debut of Zvonimir Ivisic. Even so, John Calipari is trying to bring him along in a way that’s best for Ivisic and for Kentucky.

Calipari updated Ivisic’s availability during his press conference at the Wildcat’s Media Day on Wednesday. He did share the discouraging update that Ivisic is “probably” going to have to wait for next week’s second preseason game rather than the team’s first on Friday night. Still, it’s all part of their plan with him as they try to integrate him in the way they see fit.

“He’s not going today. He’s going to do individual work but he’s not going to go body-to-body with his teammates,” said Calipari. “If y’all know me? I’m normally the guy that says, if you’re not going to practice before, you’re not going to play in the game. But, again, for him? I want him to be at his best.”

“We’ll continue the ramp-up,” Calipari said. “If he’s able to go tomorrow, which we’ll see? I’ll see more today. Then we’ll go from there.”

Ivisic finally arrived from Croatia just in time for the college basketball season. That came after weeks of jumping through hoops for the university to finally admit him.

He made his first appearance at Big Blue Madness on October 13th but didn’t truly participate in the festivities inside Rupp Arena. However, after Calipari suggested that he’d finally appear during their Blue-White Game on October 21st, he was a late scratch again. It now appears that the earliest that Ivisic could be on the court is Kentucky’s second exhibition against Kentucky State on November 2nd rather than their first against Georgetown College.

Some are concerned that Ivisic’s absence is about more than preparation. With rumors of eligibility issues out there, though, all sides maintain that it’s nothing more than what it is.

Calipari admitted that even Ivisic himself might be growing annoyed with these baby steps. With that said, frustration is something he says he can handle considering all things.

“My guess is he’s a little frustrated with me. But it seems a lot of people are frustrated with me so that’s okay,” said Calipari.

Ivisic is an important piece considering the unknown statuses of Aaron Bradshaw and Ugonna Onyenso. However, Calipari isn’t going to put him in any position yet where he’s unprepared for the collegiate level.

“Like I always do, I’m going to look after the kids and try to do what I think is best for them and us,” Calipari said.