What Should Razorbacks Expect From New Croation Transfer

Once a Kentucky fan favorite, here is what 'Big Z' brings to table

Kentucky Wildcats forward Zvonimir Ivisic (44) grabs the defensive rebound during their game against Arkansas. / Clare Grant/Courier Journal / USA TODAY

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. -- New Arkansas big man Zvonimir Ivisic is an intriguing transfer. Not only is he long but can stretch the court in the evolving state of college basketball. The 7-foot-2, 234 pound 20-year-old is beginning to learn what his body is capable of. Following coach John Calipari from Kentucky to Arkansas will be key to his development.

There's no secret that Calipari can put his players in the NBA. Nearly 75% of his Kentucky players have played in the league at some point dating back to 2010. Ivisic has a solid basketball IQ but is still becoming accustomed to the speed of college basketball. Although he sometimes struggles defending smaller players in dribble drive situations, rarely does Ivisic quit as he recorded 20 blocks in just 16 appearances.

Calipari's staff relishes in building frontcourt players with professional aspirations. The list goes from DeMarcus Cousins, Anthony Davis, Bam Adebayo, Nerlens Noel, Karl Anthony-Towns, Julius Randle and many more. 'Big Z' will have a chance to be the next great NBA big man as league scouts and general managers seek his type of ability.

The emergence of such players like Chet Holmgren and Victor Wembanyama are just a few comparisons for Ivisic. It's not fair to put that kind of weight on the shoulders of a kid who has played in America for less than two months, but the potential is most certainly there.

Ivisic's three-point shooting is his specialty going back to his days with the Croatian under-16 national team. Back then he would often fall in love with three pointers as half of his attempts were from deep. During his lone season in Lexington, he shot just over one per game while taking advantage with his size near the basket. He made 67% of his two-point attempts and 37% from three-point range.

For a player his size, it often makes free throws tougher than players less than 7-foot tall. Ivisic knocked down 77% of his attempts with a silky smooth shot release. Tall players often struggle with slow releases but Ivisic's release is so quick that it's hard to contest it defensively.

Overseas prospects of any size do not lack for ballhandling skills. During his collegiate debut against Georgia he showed soft touch including a beautiful behind the back pass to teammate Antonio Reeves who sank a three.

With such a small sample size due to his late approval of eligibility, Ivisic was not able to find a steady role with the Wildcats down the stretch. However, he will be able to bask in his full potential in Fayetteville being coached by the same staff which recruited him to Kentucky. Arkansas has facilities on par or better than many programs around the country which will be valuable as he develops physically in the SEC.

His goal at the college level is to win a national title. Ivisic believes that Calipari will be the man who will help lead him and the Razorbacks to the top of college basketball, according to his announcement on X.

pic.twitter.com/9WxWiFsd92

— Zvonimir Ivisic (@zvonimir_ivisic) April 15, 2024

"I made a lifetime decision to come to college for few reasons," Ivisic says. "Main one is to win a national championship and go to the NBA. Monumental part of that decision was Coach [Calipari], and no one does both of those at the same time than him."

HOGS FEED:

• First Razorback scholarship player arrives under Calipari-era

• Kentucky doing its best to show Arkansas who's tops in the SEC

• How far did Arkansas fall in national, SEC rankings after first series loss?

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