Hogs' Croatian Big Man Benefitting from Work with Aidoo, Brazile

Calipari's believes Ivisic has expanded his game this offseason going against teammates in practice

Kentucky Wildcats forward Zvonimir Ivisic (44) fives guard Rob Dillingham (0) during the second half against the Vanderbilt Commodores at Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center. / Jordan Prather-Imagn Images

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Where Zvonimir Ivisic fits into Coach John Calipari's rotation this season remains an unknown heading into the start of practice. While much of the Razorbacks' front court hype will center around both Jonas Aidoo and Trevon Brazile, Arkansas' success could be dependent on the development of the big Croatian.

Ivisic had his moments last season in limited action, including an eruption of 18 points, five rebounds and four blocks against Alabama. He can be a rim protector when needed and be the type of stretch forwards NBA scouts fall in love with, but Calipari wants more out of him.

Big Z’s no look, behind the back 👀 pic.twitter.com/kH9u90opl7

— Jacob Davis (@JacobScottDavis) September 30, 2024

"Biggest thing is you’ve got to get in the best shape of his life and that’s hard, especially when you are 7-2," Calipari said. "[Ivisic] is a great kid and we’ve got to just figure out where are we using him. How are we using him? He’s skilled for that size, good passer."

"Fighting on this team, you know with Trevon Brazile, who’s explosive and we’re trying to get him to be an attack player, not just a jump-shooter. He’s doing pretty good. With Jonas [Aidoo], you’ve got that kid who has been in this league, was an all-conference player. Physically, able to do the stuff that you need to get done and that’s going to help [Ivisic] get better because that’s who he’s practicing against."

One of Ivisic's strengths happens to be one Calipari wanted to him to focus less on during offseason training.

The Hogs' coach shouldn't be taken literally as Ivisic will likely shoot a fair share of three point attempts this season. Arkansas' first year coach wants his big man to focus more on being a multidimensional player than just a jumpshooter.

Kentucky Wildcats forward Zvonimir Ivisic (44) celebrates after making a three point basket during the first half against the Georgia Bulldogs at Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center. / Jordan Prather-Imagn Images

“I’m not letting Z shoot any threes,” Calipari said July 30. “[Ivisic] is 7-foot-2. If he wants to shoot, no, no. You’re not shooting threes. So now he has to shoot twos. You know why? An elbow jumper, when you miss that, kinda embarrassing. A three, when you miss that and you’re way out there, ‘Oh, man he almost made that.’ No. You’re shooting twos. That means you’re gonna get in the gym and get better or you’re gonna be embarrassed all the time. And you know what? He’s getting better.”

Despite getting a late start to his freshman season due to the NCAA dragging its feet, Ivisic still posted a solid stat line of six points. three rebounds and over one block per game. One more year in Calipari's system may allow him to become a potential NBA Draft selection in the spring.

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