UK releases statement on "misinformation" regarding Zvonimir Ivisic's status
7-foot-2 Croatian big man Zvonimir Ivisic announced his commitment to Kentucky over a month ago now, but his enrollment status continues to be in doubt. The cause for concern was only exacerbated on Tuesday afternoon.
University of Kentucky spokesperson Jay Blanton released a statement on Ivisic’s status, saying that “misinformation is being perpetuated regarding the admission status of someone wishing to attend the University of Kentucky”, referring to Ivisic as the “someone” in question. There has been worry over the last week that Ivisic would not be allowed to enroll at UK due to a lack of proficiency in speaking the English language, although evidence shows that Ivisic does know how to speak English.
“Unfortunately, misinformation is being perpetuated regarding the admission status of someone wishing to attend the University of Kentucky. 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.”
Jay Blanton, University of Kentucky
There is currently a race against the clock to try and get Ivisic cleared by UK or else the program risks losing him altogether. The expectation is that he’ll play college basketball in 2023-24 regardless if it’s at Kentucky or not. The longer this situation drags out, the less likely it is that he’ll suit up as a Wildcat.
KSR’s Jack Pilgrim reported earlier on Tuesday that Ivisic has submitted and passed an English proficiency test, but UK is not recognizing the results. Until that happens, he will not receive the all-clear to travel to the United States.
“He then took a Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and earned high passing scores in all sections but reading,” Pilgrim wrote. “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.”
Standing at 7-foot-2, 220 pounds, Calipari officially announced the Croatian as a member of the team on August 14. Ivisic most recently 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.
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