44 Zvonimir Ivisic

Zvonimir Ivisic was born Aug. 9, 2003, and grew up in Croatia, where the 7-foot-2 forward developed into one of the country’s promising young big men. Before coming to the United States, he played two seasons for SC Derby in Montenegro’s Adriatic League and represented Croatia at the 2023 FIBA U20 European Championship, averaging 11.4 points, 5.3 rebounds and 3.4 blocks per game. His combination of size, shot-blocking and perimeter shooting made him an intriguing international prospect before he joined Kentucky.

Ivisic’s freshman season at Kentucky was delayed while he awaited NCAA eligibility, but he made an unforgettable first impression after being cleared on Jan. 20, 2024. Entering to a standing ovation at Rupp Arena against Georgia, he scored 13 points in just 16 minutes, made three 3-pointers and added five rebounds and three blocked shots. He eventually appeared in 15 games for the Wildcats, averaging 5.5 points, 3.3 rebounds and 1.3 blocks while giving Kentucky a rare combination of length, shooting touch and rim protection.

His most productive Kentucky performance came against No. 13 Alabama, when he scored a career-high 18 points and blocked four shots in only 20 minutes. He also recorded 12 points and a career-high nine rebounds against Arkansas and finished his lone Kentucky season having led the Wildcats in blocked shots seven times. His brief stay made “Big Z” one of the more memorable international players of the John Calipari era despite playing only half a season.

Following the 2023-24 season, Ivisic entered the transfer portal and followed Calipari to Arkansas, where he helped the Razorbacks reach the 2025 NCAA Tournament Sweet 16. He transferred again following that season, joining Illinois and reuniting with his twin brother, Tomislav Ivisic. The brothers became the first twins to play together for Illinois since Paul and Phil Judson in 1956.