Zvonimir Ivisic ranked No. 6 among ESPN's top international freshmen

John Calipari made a few things clear upon Zvonimir Ivisic‘s arrival: “He’s not King Kong” and “he’s not the answer to all of our dreams.” The 7-foot-2 forward just got to Lexington late last week, brand new to the United States, let alone college basketball — specifically at the University of Kentucky.

“He’s a terrific young person who wanted to be here and wants to help us win,” Calipari said Monday. “… He’s a talented player now, I don’t want to take that away. It’s just going to take time. … He gonna be good.”

At 7-2, 234 pounds, Ivisic does things no one else can. But he’s also raw and shouldn’t be viewed as a fix-all to Kentucky’s frontcourt concerns, specifically with Aaron Bradshaw and Ugonna Onyenso still working their way back from foot injuries.

That’s why the Croatian big man comes in ranked No. 6 overall in ESPN’s list of top international men’s college basketball freshmen to know for 2023-24. In short, the potential is clear, but there is also a reason he didn’t keep his name in the NBA draft after testing the waters in back-to-back cycles.

“Ivišić has a world of talent at his disposal; it’s hard to find 7-footers anywhere on the planet who can make shots as dynamically as he does pulling up off the dribble and creating separation like a guard. The Vodice, Croatia native is also an explosive finisher, a productive shot-blocker and shows flashes of ability pushing off the glass and creating his own offense in a pinch,” ESPN’s Jonathan Givony said of the Kentucky freshman. “Ivišić’s struggles staying healthy along with his lack of physicality as a rebounder, post-defender and screen-setter, and poor awareness as a passer and perimeter defender have made him more of a theoretical prospect for scouts, however. He got a cold shoulder from the NBA in each of the past two drafts, and now will be automatically eligible the next time he elects to enter. Nevertheless, he’ll intrigue NBA teams every time he steps on the floor.”

Fair on all accounts.

A pair of UCLA signees lead the way, followed by two frontcourt pieces for Arizona and Kansas’ prized wing out of Australia. Then comes Ivisic at No. 6 overall.

1. Aday Mara – UCLA
2. Berke Buyuktuncel – UCLA
3. Motiejus Krivas – Arizona
4. Paulius Murauskas – Arizona
5. Johnny Furphy – Kansas
6. Zvonimir Ivisic – Kentucky
7. Kyshawn Georga – Miami (FL)
8. Rueben Chinyelu – Washington State
9. Jan Vide – UCLA
10. Lazar Djo – Xavier

Ivišić averaged 11.4 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 3.4 blocks per game in the FIBA U20 European Championship. He also averaged 5.2 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks per game playing for SC Derby in the Adriatic League.

“Big Z is a dynamic and modern big who has guard-like skills but can make a major impact around the rim,” Calipari announced upon his signing. “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.”

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

We’ll see for ourselves when he suits up for the Wildcats in the Blue-White Game on Saturday.