Kentucky pursuing 7-2 Croatian big Zvonimir Ivisic

John Calipari may not be done adding to the Kentucky basketball roster ahead of the 2023-24 season — and he’s looking outside the United States for potential options.

Multiple sources tell KSR that Kentucky is making a push for 7-foot-2 big Zvonimir Ivisic out of Croatia.

A move the coaching staff has been attempting to keep under wraps this offseason, the Wildcats are seen as the top option for Ivisic among schools and there is real mutual interest, sources tell KSR. There are several moving parts regarding his potential departure from SC Derby of the ABA League and a move to the United States for college enrollment, but Kentucky is giving it a shot, with Memphis lurking as a secondary option.

Ivisic is seen as a potential first-round draft selection in 2024, a big with guard skills and the ability to stretch the floor. To close out his 2022-23 campaign, the Croatian standout averaged 15.7 points and 8.3 rebounds in the Adriatic League playoffs before ultimately falling to eventual champion Partizan. He most recently made a splash in the U20 European Championships, averaging 11.4 points, 5.3 rebounds and 3.4 blocks in just 19.4 minutes per contest.

Drawing comparisons to Kristaps Porzingis of the Boston Celtics, Ivisic withdrew from the 2023 NBA Draft as a projected second-rounder.

7’2 Zvonimir Ivišić showcased some insane flashes at U20 this year

At 7’2 he moves insanely well… as well as hitting off the dribble 3s.

Also averaged 3.2 BPG and shot 34% from deep

First rounder in the 2024 draft to me pic.twitter.com/pf0NFzKff9
— Pistons Draft Talk (@PDTScouting) July 20, 2023

Zvonimir Ivisic is one of my favorite intl sleepers for this year. Very long term view though.

Ideal draft & stash abroad or on in the G League since he's INCREDIBLY raw, but you won't see too many 7+ fters that move like Ivisic, can shoot 3s, and play above the rim on both ends https://t.co/tHlqnuL2Qm pic.twitter.com/PL56qmvMGd
— Wilko (@wilkomcv) May 18, 2023