Update emerges on the future of Zvonimir Ivisic at Kentucky

Zvonimir Ivisic is supposed to be the final piece of what should be a pretty talented roster at Kentucky. However, the seven-foot Croatian has seemingly hit a few snags for his arrival in the United States as well as in Lexington. In the end, they might end up removing him from the Wildcat’s equation altogether.

In a post on Kentucky Sports Radio this morning, Matt Jones provided an update on Ivisic’s status. Based on his latest understanding, a specific English equivalency exam is holding back his admittance into the school. Without that admission, Ivisic then can’t acquire his student visa to come overseas. With classes having already started at classes too, the clock is starting to tick on this move.

“Ivisic was supposed to arrive on campus last week and begin classes. That didn’t happen. Then it was decided (because getting someone from Croatia here with a year’s worth of belongings isn’t the simplest task) that he would arrive tomorrow and be ready to go to class on what is the final drop/add day of the semester at Kentucky,” wrote Jones. “As of this moment on Monday morning, that isn’t certain as well.”

“The issue is one of UK Admissions, at this time, blocking his admission to the school. I have been told that the University of Kentucky requires an English equivalency exam in order to gain admission. Ivisic has passed such an exam but it isn’t one that is accepted by the University,” Jones explained. “There is another form of test that he hasn’t passed yet. At this point, the University is preventing his enrollment until it is passed. Without admission, he can’t be granted a student visa to America. As of this morning, none of these things have happened.”

Ivisic has proven that he can, in fact, speak English. That’s why, per Jones, this matter has started to annoy John Calipari’s staff and program. He also added that it’s starting to frustrate Ivisic as well as he could choose to take his talents elsewhere.

“Sources around the program have told me that this is very frustrating to the coaching staff and those around UK Basketball,” Jones continued. “Interviews online have shown that Ivisic does speak English. Many around the program can’t understand the hold-up at the University level. But, as of this morning, the holdup still exists.”

“There is also a belief that the process is becoming irritating to Ivisic himself. There are some worries that, if it doesn’t get resolved ASAP, he may look in other directions immediately,” added Jones.

Ivisic is a top prospect who could make a major difference for Kentucky on the court this season. This commitment could all potentially fall apart, though, depending on how the university’s admissions office goes about it and how quickly they do so.

“For logistics and visa reasons, the process can’t drag on for more than a couple of days or he will miss this semester,” Jones wrote.

“At this point, the ball is in UK Admissions’ court and we will see what can happen,” Jones finished. “Without a waiver or some change in the admission decision, he may not be able to find himself playing for the Cats this season.”