NCAA Eligibility Center closes for the holidays (sorry, Big Z)

I’m sorry, Big Z. The NCAA has failed you like it has done so for so many others, proving its worthlessness time and time again. Now, it has decided to take off a full week for the holidays — docket be damned.

No, not just the weekend plus Christmas on Monday. Tomorrow, Friday, through the following Monday — 11 days off. Dec. 22 through Jan. 1, out of commission. See you on Tuesday, Jan. 2.

The NCAA Eligibility Center declared its departure from business operation starting EOD — so, within hours. From 5 PM-ish on, it’s all ho-ho-home for the holidays from there.

The @ncaaec will be closed tomorrow through Monday, Jan. 1. Normal business hours resume Tuesday, Jan. 2. Have a safe and happy holiday! pic.twitter.com/XqyTfQ2QNv

— NCAA Eligibility Center (@ncaaec) December 21, 2023

What does that mean for Zvonimir Ivisic? Well, unless the NCAA can declare him eligible by the end of the day, it sounds like he’s out of luck until the New Year, at minimum.

And that means he’s got a decision to make regarding his future.

If he’s not cleared today, he’s missing the Louisville game. Then he’d miss the Illinois State matchup next Friday, Dec. 29. His first possible opportunity for a debut would then be at Florida on Jan. 6 — the SEC opener. 12 of 31 games — essentially 40% of the regular season — just thrown in the dumpster. And again, that’s just assuming they’re ready to roll with Ivisic on Jan. 2 (*laughs hysterically*).

Big Z spoke out for the first time regarding his eligibility on Wednesday, pleading his case with the NCAA in hopes of an expedited decision. In his eyes, he’s done everything he can to be a model student-athlete at the University of Kentucky. Now he just wants to play.

“I met with Coach Cal and discussed going home for the holidays,” Ivisic said. “My family and I worked really hard to gain admission to Kentucky, which took quite a while. With the ups and downs of this process, it’s been stressful and emotional for me and my family, but I can tell all of BBN that I’ve done everything I can.

“I’ve obtained a 3.25 GPA. I love this school. I love my teammates and going against other great players every day in practice. I love being coached and challenged and I’m hoping to hear that I can play soon.”

Big Z just wants to be freed for Christmas. Nothing more, nothing less.

If that doesn’t happen, what comes next? Well, the concern is Ivisic could choose to return home and prepare for the draft, ending his time as a Wildcat. It’s not what either side wants, but the 7-2 forward 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 prospect — again, he’s already gone through the draft process twice. He chose the college basketball route to develop and prove himself on the big stage. If that’s not on the table, the clock is ticking to pivot.

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, unfortunately.

The NCAA isn’t doing the kid any favors — but that shouldn’t shock you.