7-2 Croatian big Zvonimir Ivisic commits to Kentucky

Kentucky has added one final piece to its 2023-24 roster — and it’s a big one. Literally.

Zvonimir Ivisic, a 7-foot-2 center out of Croatia, announced his commitment to John Calipari and the Wildcats. The potential first-round draft selection in 2024 known for his playmaking and ability to stretch the floor made his decision public on his Instagram story early Tuesday morning.

“I got the offer for scholarship by Coach Calipari to attend the University of Kentucky,” Ivisic wrote. “I’m excited to tell that I accepted the scholarship and will play there next season. Go Big Blue!”

A member of SC Derby (Studentski Centar Podgorica) of the ABA League, Ivisic averaged 7.1 points, 5.2 rebounds and 1.3 blocks in just 14.5 minutes per contest in 33 games in 2022-23. He exploded in the Adriatic League playoffs, though, putting up 15.7 points and 8.3 rebounds per contest before falling in the quarterfinals series to eventual champion Partizan. The 19-year-old standout followed it up by averaging 11.4 points, 5.3 rebounds and 3.4 blocks in just 19.4 minutes per contest in the U20 European Championships.

Ivisic declared and ultimately withdrew from the 2022 and 2023 NBA Drafts, paving a path to college basketball this upcoming season, specifically at the University of Kentucky.

What are the Wildcats getting in his commitment? At his best, Ivisic is a game-changing modern big who fits seamlessly into Calipari’s dribble-drive offense with an emphasis on positionless basketball. At 7-2, he’s capable of putting the ball on the floor and facilitating while also stepping out and launching 3-pointers at a high volume. Those traits put him on NBA radars back in 2019 during the FIBA U16 European Championship where he averaged 13.3 points and 6.9 rebounds per contest — 5.1 of his 9.9 shots per contest coming from deep.

But there’s also a reason he was a fringe second-round draft candidate this past cycle. He tries to force the issue at times as a passer and gets trigger-happy as a shooter, leading to turnovers and struggles with efficiency. At 220 pounds, he’s not a twig, but will still need to add strength to help finish through contact in the SEC. And as a defender, he blocks and contests shots with the best of them, but struggles staying in front of ball handlers out on the perimeter. Quick recovery and the length to make up ground, but susceptible to getting burned on occasion.

At the end of the day, though, he has every physical tool you could dream of for a modern big. Smooth shooting stroke, fluid running the floor with and without the ball, rim protection, lob threat and creative playmaker. If Calipari can help him stay under control and buy into team basketball at the collegiate level, it’s hard to ask for a better addition at this stage.

There was a lot to like about the roster before. How about some icing on the cake?

7’2 Zvonimir Ivišić showcased some insane flashes at U20 this year

At 7’2 he moves insanely well… as well as hitting off the dribble 3s.

Also averaged 3.2 BPG and shot 34% from deep

First rounder in the 2024 draft to me pic.twitter.com/pf0NFzKff9

— Pistons Draft Talk (@PDTScouting) July 20, 2023