Zvonimir Ivisic shares love for Kentucky fans

Big Blue Nation had waited five months for the debut of Zvonimir Ivisic for Kentucky. That patience then paid off in miraculous fashion based on how the 7’2 Croatian played in another victory for the Wildcats on Saturday.

After his first game that took college basketball by storm, Ivisic spoke with the media about what all led to his breakout moment against Georgia. He thanked the fanbase at one point for continuing to show him love as he awaited his moment to come.

“Yeah. They were supporting me through messages, through posts, through other stuff that I saw too. That was funny,” said Ivisic. “It just kept me going.”

Then, after weeks of awaiting a ruling on his eligibility, the program heard positive news just hours before their game against the Bulldogs. The NCAA had finally deemed him eligible and, with that, he took the court in Rupp Arena for the first time for Kentucky.

The performance was an unforgettable one for Ivisic and those watching. In 16 minutes off the bench, Ivisic posted 13 points, five rebounds, three blocks, two assists, and two steals. He did so while shooting 5-7 (71.4%) from the field, including three triples.

His first minutes in the first half sent those in Lexington into a frenzy of shock and awe. He impacted the game immediately on both ends with his play. That’s when the highlights started to come with a behind-the-back assist and his makes from three causing an all-out explosion in the gym.

That reaction is one that Ivisic, after spending half the season on the bench, more than earned. It was applause that he more than appreciated as well following the 105-96 victory for UK.

“It was amazing,” said Ivisic. “I really enjoyed the time and I really enjoyed playing in front of them.”

“I don’t know. There’s no words for it,” Ivisic said. “I just enjoyed it. I’m missing words for them.”

Ivisic could have scored just once or posted only a handful of statistics and most fans would have been more than pleased. All they really wanted to see was him take the court and show his stuff.

Instead, he gave them a night to remember and, in turn, they gave Ivisic as warm of a welcome as they could through their cheers and applause.

“I love the fans,” said Ivisic. “I love it.”

WATCH: Ivisic breaks down college debut at Kentucky

It was the Big ‘Z Show on Saturday night inside Rupp Arena.

Ivisic spoke with reporters on Saturday following his debut in a nine-point win for Kentucky over Georgia. He break down his performance and explained how he received the news that he was eligible to play earlier in the day.