Kentucky releases statement urging misinformation to cease in wake of Zvonimir Ivisic issues

Zvonimir Ivisic‘s future is unknown. This week, concern has grown the Kentucky commit will not be able to join the team reportedly due to the University of Kentucky’s admissions office claiming Ivisic is not proficient in English. On Tuesday, UK spokesperson Jay Blanton published a statement on the rumor.

“Unfortunately, misinformation is being perpetuated regarding the admission status of someone wishing to attend the University of Kentucky,” Blanton wrote. “The truth is members of our university – from our athletics department to our administration and all other units – are working together efficiently and in a manner that is consistent with the institution’s admissions standards.

“These are often complex issues, with multiple aspects to them, and they require many people, working to do the right thing for an individual wishing to attend the university. That is what we are doing. Spreading unfounded rumors helps no one.”

Standing 7-foot-2, 220 pounds, the Croatian officially signed with Kentucky in August. Ivisic averaged 11.4 points, 5.3 rebounds and 3.4 blocks per game in the FIBA U20 European Championship. He also shot 34% from three and averaged just under 20 minutes per contest.

Ivisic joins fellow freshmen Aaron Bradshaw, Jordan Burks, Rob Dillingham, Justin Edwards, Joey Hart, Reed Sheppard and DJ Wagner, along with graduate transfer Tre Mitchell, as new additions for the Wildcats.

A different perspective on the Zvonimir Ivisic issue

Despite Blanton’s statement dispelling rumors, Kentucky Sports Radio’s Matt Jones claims the issue is still urgent.

“Odd statement I must say,” Jones tweeted. “The information being put out is correct so I am not sure exactly what this about. Either way, still no official change or ruling on Ivisic’s status.”

While the truth remains murky, Kentucky Sports Radio’s Jack Pilgrim isn’t buying the university’s story.

“The 7-foot-2 forward submitted an English proficiency test with passing scores, but the school wouldn’t recognize the results — a late development against the add/drop deadline,” Pilgrim wrote. “He then took a Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and earned high passing scores in all sections but reading.

“Mind you, that standardized test came without necessary accommodations not readily available to Ivisic where he is in Croatia, especially on short notice. Given the academic resources available to all students at the University of Kentucky — which had an acceptance rate of 95% during the 2022-23 academic year — his college readiness and ability to communicate effectively are clear non-issues.”