7-foot-2 Croatian freshman Zvonimir Ivisic has arrived in Lexington

It took much longer than expected, but Zvonimir Ivisic has finally arrived in Lexington.

On Thursday morning, Kentucky men’s basketball head coach John Calipari posted a picture on social media standing next to Ivisic inside of his office at the Joe Craft Center. Calipari titled the post “Big Z and Little Cal! Finally!!!”

He’s not kidding either. Ivisic, who clocks in at 7-foot-2, towers over his head coach by well over a foot. The freshman from Croatia committed to UK on August 1 and signed with the program two weeks later, but it took nearly two additional months to get him cleared by the admissions department and into the United States. But the wait is now over: Ivisic is ready to be a Wildcat.

Big Z and Little Cal! Finally!!! pic.twitter.com/3X0vK37ARW

— John Calipari (@UKCoachCalipari) October 12, 2023

The Big Z arrival! @zvonimir_ivisic ready for #BBM23 pic.twitter.com/4Tjs3id1kr

— Kentucky Men’s Basketball (@KentuckyMBB) October 12, 2023

The next question is will we see Ivisic in action at Friday’s Big Blue Madness? In the above video, he says he’ll be at Rupp Arena, but there’s currently no indication if he’ll actually suit up and play or not.

“Hello Big Blue Nation, I’m looking forward to seeing you tomorrow night. Go Big Blue,” Ivisic said.

Regardless, the timing of his arrival is massive.

Calipari said on ESPN during Wednesday night’s annual Pro Day that Kentucky’s other two seven-footers — Ugonna Onyenso and Aaron Bradshaw — are expected to miss the next 5-6 weeks due to foot injuries. Just having Ivisic as an extra body is going to be critical heading into the season opener, which is scheduled for Nov. 6 against New Mexico State. Kentucky’s first primetime matchup is set for Nov. 14 against Kansas in the Champions Classic.

Kentucky will need all the frontcourt help they can get early in the season. Ivisic will help fill that void.