Tre Mitchell on Zvonimir Ivisic: "They just need to free my guy, man."

As of Friday afternoon, there is still no new update on the eligibility status of Kentucky freshman center Zvonimir Ivisic. The 7-foot-3 Croatian went back home for winter break in Dec. and rejoined the Wildcats earlier this week, but there remains no traction in getting him cleared to play by the NCAA. Ivisic will still be with Kentucky for Saturday’s SEC opener against Florida in Gainesville, but he appears to be no closer to participating in a real game than he was two weeks ago.

“Hopefully this kid plays sooner than later,” Head coach John Calipari said during his radio show on Monday.

At this point, there’s no telling when — or if — the NCAA will ultimately clear (or even make a final ruling) on Ivisic. He’s essentially stuck in limbo. Not even a viral trend on social media is going to help his case. It’s all a waiting game.

Ivisic’s Kentucky teammates don’t understand why the situation continues to get dragged out, either.

“They just need to free my guy, man,” Veteran forward Tre Mitchell said on Friday, according to Ben Roberts of the Herald-Leader. “They just need to let him loose.”

The longer this situation drags out, the further behind Ivisic will be in terms of actually being able to contribute on the floor for Kentucky if/when the NCAA does clear him. Not only has he yet to suit in a game, but he’s been dealing with various illnesses throughout his time in Lexington. Calipari said on Monday that Ivisic has lost over 20 pounds since arriving on campus back in the summer.

But all that being said, there aren’t many 7-foot-3 big men who can dribble and shoot like Ivisic. Even if it’s in limited playing time, his teammates believe he can make an impact on the floor. He just needs to be given the opportunity to do so.

“He could help us a lot. He really can,” Mitchell added. “It’s not that he’s just big but he’s tremendously skilled too. It’s just another weapon for us out there. With the depth that we already have, adding a guy like him, that’s just another dude that the other team has to prepare for. Another dude that they have to worry about.”

Kentucky will travel down to Gainesville this evening to prepare for Saturday’s contest against Florida. But don’t expect to hear from the NCAA between now and then. Ivisic and Kentucky will just have to continue being patient — even more so than they already have been.