Zvonimir Ivisic issues statement on NCAA eligibility amid NBA Draft prep rumors

Since he became a recruiting target for Kentucky, Zvonimir Ivisic’s name has brought nothing but drama, rumors and… no basketball yet for the big Croatian.

Nobody really has any idea what the holdup is with getting “Big Z” on the court, but the only fact that remains 100% true: he cannot currently play and has not played for Kentucky yet. While rumors popped up recently suggesting he’d pack it up and head back overseas at Christmas if there wasn’t a resolution on his eligibility, Ivisic says he’s still fully committed to (hopefully) playing Lexington.

Here was his tweet Wednesday affirming that he still is and continues to be a member of the Wildcat roster:

pic.twitter.com/opuO0OsIMP

— Zvonimir Ivisic (@zvonimir_ivisic) December 20, 2023

‘Clock ticking’ on Ivisic situation

While the message from Ivisic is nice, Kentucky Sports Radio’s Jack Pilgrim still sees a mid-term departure as a very possible option for the lofty European prospect. Here was his breakdown of the situation as it currently stands:

“Ivisic plans to go home for Christmas break — the only question is when (or if) he returns to the United States. Though nothing has been finalized, the next steps are being decided should the NCAA not make a ruling on the 7-2 forward in the near future. This is five months of hassle for both sides that has resulted in zero games played one third of the way through the regular season. At some point, something’s got to give.

“Hope isn’t lost that he could still be ruled eligible in the coming days and stick around as planned, but if not, the possibility of returning home and preparing for the draft is on the table. It’s not what either side wants, but Ivisic came to Kentucky in hopes of making an immediate impact before turning his dream of playing in the NBA into a reality. That can’t happen sitting on the bench as a fringe draft prospect.

“John Calipari has made it clear he will always do what’s best for his players. In this case, letting Ivisic return home may be the next example. It’s not done, but the clock is ticking.”