NBA Draft: Kentucky Lands Unicorn Prospect Zvonimir Ivisic

Zvonimir Ivisic is a 7-foot-2 Croatian forward that played these last two seasons for KK Studentski centar. The unicorn big man has committed to Kentucky and will bring a unique skill set that Kentucky has lacked at that position. How will his game translate to college?

John Calipari and the Kentucky Wildcats once again will be having one of the biggest roster turnarounds in all of college basketball this upcoming season as they only return one player that got significant minutes from last season in Antonio Reeves. Despite only returning three players that got any minutes last season, this upcoming Kentucky squad is absolutely loaded with talent and depth.

On the first day of August, Zvonimir Ivisic announced his commitment to the Kentucky Wildcats. He gave his reasoning to ESPN’s Jonathan Givony as he said, “I always liked college basketball, but this summer finally I finished high school and started seriously thinking about it and got Kentucky interest. So it was easy for me."

I asked Zvonimir Ivisic when the option of playing college basketball became realistic: "I always liked college basketball, but this summer finally I finished high school and started seriously thinking about it and got Kentucky interest. So it was easy for me." https://t.co/1sHC8lCmbk

— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) August 1, 2023

Ivisic was first eligible for the 2022 NBA draft, as at one point he was one of the youngest prospects in the entire draft and was looked at as a diamond in the rough potential draft pick. The 7-foot-2 big man has elected to not remain in the last two drafts and will now be heading into his freshman year for Kentucky. 

Let’s talk about what the Croatian big man brings to the table.

A big fan of Zvonimir Ivisic. I’ll be heavily pushing his name next year. A really intriguing prospect long term. https://t.co/0tyCwaicOJ

— Global Scouting (@GlobalScouting_) June 13, 2022

At 7-foot-2, Ivisic has an incredible amount of skill and fluidity for his size as he moves like a wing on the perimeter. He can really shoot it off the catch, dribble, or movement which gives him a ton of shot versatility. The underrated part about his game is how quick he can get off the ground and his explosive vertical pop for dunks.

Zvonimir Ivisic is one of the most intriguing prospects you’ve never heard of. At 7’2” he’s an impressive shooter that possesses a ton of shot versatility. He’s explosive at his size and can rise up for dunks. He’s a good shot-blocker that utilizes his length to alter shots. pic.twitter.com/25K7J0dSDw

— Global Scouting (@GlobalScouting_) April 6, 2022

It may be a bit of a struggle for him adjusting to the college game, but the professional experience overseas could be extremely beneficial for him as he got the opportunity to play against grown men at a competitive level. Most college players don't have the opportunity to get that experience before playing at this level. With Aaron Bradshaw and Ugonna Onyenso as their centers, expect to see Ivisic play mostly at the power forward position given his unique skill set and how comfortable he is out on the perimeter.

The Kentucky Wildcats won all four of their games in the GLOBL Jam up in Canada as they earned the gold medal. If Ivisic is able to smoothly translate to the college game and properly develop under Calipari, we could see a potential first-round selection in his future.

This Kentucky offense looks way more spaced and the players are playing with a lot more freedom than what they have in the past. This squad is also missing two 7-footers and rim protectors in Aaron Bradshaw and Ugonna Onyenso. This squad is next level good. Looking to go 4-and-0…

— Global Scouting (@GlobalScouting_) July 17, 2023

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