Kentucky adds 7-foot-2 Croatian big man

By ADAM ZAGORIA

Kentucky landed a significant frontcourt piece on Tuesday when 7-foot-2 Croatian big man Zvonimir Ivisic committed to John Calipari and the Wildcats.

“I got the offer for scholarship by Coach Calipari to attend the University of Kentucky,” Ivisic wrote on his Instagram. “I’m excited to tell that I accepted the scholarship and I will play there next season. Go Big Blue!”

Footage from Kentucky commit Zvonimir Ivisic's monster game in a win over Euroleague squad Partizan in the Adriatic League playoffs in May. 22 points, 13 rebounds, 3 blocks in 24 minutes. Significant talent addition for John Calipari. https://t.co/USEgTvd5nL pic.twitter.com/khLrfQK05n

— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) August 1, 2023

Ivisic averaged 11.4 points, 5.3 rebounds and 3.4 blocks in 19 minutes per game for Croatia in the recent FIBA U20 European Championship.

“Super talented, unicorn, needs to get stronger, but talented,” one Division 1 assistant coach said.

“At 7-foot-2, Ivisic is a formidable shot-blocking presence who can step out to the 3-point line and finish with authority around the basket,” ESPN’s Jonathan Givony wrote. “He brings excellent mobility for a player his height.”

Kentucky lost big man Oscar Tshiebwe to the NBA Draft but added West Virginia transfer forward Tre Mitchell and brought in 7-2 freshman Aaron Bradshaw. Sophomore big man Ugonna Onyenso also returns.

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