Zvonimir Ivisic officially signs with Kentucky: "It is the best spot in the U.S. for talented basketball players"

ZON-uh-meer EE-vee-sitch. Better get used to saying that, Big Blue Nation. The University of Kentucky has officially announced the signing of Zvonimir Ivisic, making him the ninth newcomer to join the Wildcats this offseason.

Standing 7-foot-2, 220 pounds, the native of Vitez, Croatia is listed as a power forward by the program.

“Big Z is a dynamic and modern big who has guard-like skills but can make a major impact around the rim,” head coach John Calipari said. “Defensively, he is an elite shot blocker who moves well for being 7-foot-2 and can impact the game from the outside-in because of his ability to make 3s. As excited as he is to play for us, I’m just as excited to have the opportunity to coach him. We can’t wait to get him to campus to get integrated with our team and our culture.”

Ivisic joins fellow freshmen Aaron Bradshaw, Jordan Burks, Rob Dillingham, Justin Edwards, Joey Hart, Reed Sheppard and D.J. Wagner, along with graduate transfer Tre Mitchell, as new additions for the Wildcats. Antonio Reeves, Adou Thiero and Ugonna Onyenso make up the returning pieces from last year’s rotation.

Welcome to the family, @zvonimir_ivisic!#LaFamilia pic.twitter.com/jvWJxsm33c

— Kentucky Men’s Basketball (@KentuckyMBB) August 14, 2023

Ivisic wants to play for the best at Kentucky

The 7-foot-2 big man averaged 11.4 points, 5.3 rebounds and 3.4 blocks per game in the FIBA U20 European Championship representing his home country of Croatia. He also shot 34% from three and averaged just under 20 minutes per contest.

Suiting up for SC Derby in Montenegro the past two seasons, Ivisic averaged 5.2 points, 3.5 rebounds and 1.1 blocks per game in the Adriatic League. His best outing with the club came in the playoffs, putting up 22 points, 13 rebounds and three blocks against European League side Partizan.

“I decided to come to Kentucky because it is the best spot in the U.S. for talented basketball players,” Ivišić said. “Coach Calipari is a Hall of Fame coach that has helped more players get to the NBA than anyone else.”

Ivisic originally announced his commitment on August 1. Two weeks later, he’s put pen to paper to make his addition official.