John Calipari comments on Kentucky adding ‘Big Z,’ 7-2 forward from Croatia

John Calipari has officially added Zvonimir Ivišić to his 2023-24 roster.

Kentucky basketball announced the signing of Ivišić, a 7-2 big man from Croatia, on Monday. Ivišić hopes to join the long list of Wildcats to make it to the NBA.

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

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Ivišić most recently played for Croatia in the FIBA U20 European Championship. He averaged 11.4 points, 5.3 rebounds and 3.4 blocks per game. Calipari is excited by the mix of size and skills that Ivišić brings to the team.

“Big Z is a dynamic and modern big who has guard-like skills but can make a major impact around the rim,” Calipari said via UK. “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.”

Cal’s Cats took part in the 2023 Global Jam last month, going 4-0 in games against Germany, Canada and Africa. Kentucky is scheduled to face Kansas on Nov. 14 in the State Farm Champions Classic.

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

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

Andrew Olson

Andrew writes about sports to fund his love of live music and collection of concert posters. He strongly endorses the Hall of Fame campaigns of Fred Taylor and Andruw Jones.