Outlook: What will Kentucky basketball do if Zvonimir Ivisic doesn't play?

What will the Wildcats do if Ivisic doesn't end up coming to Kentucky?

Kentucky landed 7-foot-2 Croatian center Zvonimir Ivisic back in July.

Now, they may not be getting him at all.

Matt Jones of Kentucky Sports Radio released a blog post providing an update on Big Z's status. As of right now, there's a chance Z doesn't come play for Kentucky at all.

What will the Wildcats do if Big Z ends up going elsewhere to play college basketball?

Right now, Kentucky has three different players that they could start at center. Ugonna Onyenso, Tre Mitchell, and Aaron Bradshaw. Bradshaw wants to play the four, and likely won't slide down to the five unless absolutely needed, but given his height and versatility, it makes sense to list him as a candidate at that position.

Bradshaw will likely be ready for the Wildcats' season opener after undergoing surgery this summer.

Onyenso put on weight and added strength during the offseason. He projects out as a strong defensive presence that will continue to develop his offensive skillset throughout the year. It's not clear whether or not Kentucky wants to start him, but if he's truly transformed the way he seems to have, UK could look to him as a starter.

The problem with Onyenso is injury. He's still in a boot after hurting his foot right before the GLOBL JAM. It's uncertain whether or not he will be fully healthy by November. Until the Wildcats get a definitive answer there, they are going to have to rely on Bradshaw and Mitchell.

Mitchell, given his veteran experience, may end up starting at center despite the height disadvantage to Bradshaw and Onyenso. He also possesses legitimate versatility and showed it during the GLOBL JAM. Mitchell can shoot, distribute and defend. As long as he can stay healthy, he has a solid role in this rotation.

Whether or not UK feels extremely confident with him at center as a defender - especially against taller teams - is a question. But if Onyenso is healthy, this shouldn't be a problem.

Kentucky has answers outside of Ivisic, and while he would be a valuable addition to the team, the Wildcats should have enough answers outside of him to get the job done.

---

Other Stories

Kentucky basketball ranked 17th in ESPN's recent Way-Too-Early Top 25

Kentucky basketball 2023 backcourt depth chart: Wildcats look extremely deep

Mark Stoops is trying to flip Michigan commits Jerod and Jacob Smith to stay home and play for the Wildcats

Kentucky Briefing: Zvonimir Ivisic is officially a Wildcat

An updated look at Kentucky basketball's non-conference schedule

Kentucky football just outside Preseason AP Top 25 Poll

WATCH: Carrington Valentine picks off a pass in his first NFL game

Follow Wildcats Today on Socials!

Like Wildcats Today on Facebook!

Follow Wildcats Today on Twitter!

Subscribe to Locked On Kentucky on YouTube!