Kentucky clarifies Zvonimir Ivišić still not cleared to face outside competition

John Calipari indicated Ivišić wouldn't play in Friday's exhibition game in order to get him up to speed, but Kentucky clarified he is still not approved by the NCAA.

On Wednesday, John Calipari said the Kentucky Wildcats would not have freshman big man Zvonimir Ivišić for Friday's exhibition game against Georgetown College.

His explanation was they wanted Ivisic to get up to speed since he has only been practicing with the team for about a week. Calipari also indicated the team hopes he will suit up next Thursday against Kentucky State.

However, the University of Kentucky was quick to issue a statement on Thursday clarifying that Ivišić has not been cleared by the NCAA to suit up against opponents.

“As a department, we want to clarify Zvonimir Ivišić has been cleared to practice and play in all intrasquad games. That said, he can not compete against outside competition, including exhibition games, until he is approved by the NCAA.

“There was miscommunication in this regard and, as we always do, we plan to adhere to NCAA rules. Until he is fully cleared, Zvonimir will be withheld from games against outside competition.”

Not having Ivišić for exhibition games won't hurt the Wildcats too much, although it does rob the Croatian big man of valuable experience before real competition begins. The NCAA is not known for its quickness in resolving issues like this, so all Big Blue Nation can do now is cross their fingers that this will get approved as soon as possible so the team can add some much-needed size to their frontcourt.

Currently, Calipari is running without Ivišić as well as injured bigs Aaron Bradshaw and Ugonna Onyenso, forcing the team to play 6'9 Tre Mitchell, 6'8 Adou Thiero, and 6'8 Jordan Burks up front.

A small but quick lineup is something many Wildcats fans have clamored for, but no doubt Kentucky is a better team at full strength, which includes having Ivišić approved.

Kentucky will tip-off against Georgetown College at 7:00 PM on Friday, October 27, at Rupp Arena. The game will be broadcast on the SEC Network.

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