Mark Pope tried recruiting Big Z back to Kentucky, 'but clearly I liked him a lot more than he liked me'

There was an outside chance Zvonimir Ivisic was going to be Mark Pope‘s first commitment, the 7-2 forward sitting down with the new Kentucky coach shortly after he got to Lexington — even with John Calipari on his way to Arkansas. At the time, Ivisic was trying to decide whether to turn pro, enter the transfer portal or return for a sophomore season in blue and white.

We know how things unfolded from there. Ivisic said he ‘had a great meeting’ with Pope while adding ‘he’s an amazing guy and a great coach’ who ‘will do big things here!’ Then came the but, Big Z confirming what most expected when the coaching change took place, following Coach Cal to Fayetteville — his first addition as a Razorback.

He would be the first player to trade out the blue for the red with Adou Thiero and DJ Wagner doing the same among returning pieces while Boogie Fland, Karter Knox and Billy Richmond would also back out of their commitments and put pen to paper with Arkansas.

What happened during those early conversations with Ivisic as the first domino to fall in the process?

“Well, I did get a chance to talk to him a couple times. Clearly I liked him a lot more than he liked me,” Pope joked Thursday.

Ivisic has gone on to average 7.4 points, 3.7 rebounds and 1.8 blocks in 17.0 minutes per game, shooting 47.7 percent from the field and 40.6 percent from three. After a slow start to open SEC play, the 7-2 sophomore has seen his role explode as of late, playing 26.0 minutes per game over the last three with averages of 10.3 points, 6.7 rebounds and 2.0 blocks each outing.

With growing production and usage — beyond Pope’s infatuation for Ivisic as a player going in anyway — it’s clear No. 44 will be at or near the top of Kentucky’s scouting report going into Saturday.

“I think he’s a terrific talent. I mean, what a talent. What a great talent,” Pope said. “And in my interaction with him, I love him as a young man, too — which is not uncommon. I think so many times, the key to athletes making their way to this level, is that they end up being really, really good, special people, right? I think that’s so often the case, and certainly in my experience with him, that would be the case with him.

“I think he’s incredibly talented. I think his skillset is really unique for his size. I think he’s got a moxie about him that’s pretty fun and he poses problems. He’s a top-10 rim protector in the country, which is incredible. He’s shooting 40 percent from the three-point line, and he can go to work in the post, he can really pass the ball.”

Other than that, not much to like about the guy, right?

“He’s a terrific player,” Pope continued. “He’s a big challenge for us as we prepare the scout.’