{"id":52229,"date":"2023-08-03T11:00:17","date_gmt":"2023-08-03T15:00:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/?p=52229"},"modified":"2023-08-02T21:32:56","modified_gmt":"2023-08-03T01:32:56","slug":"kentucky-lands-top-european-prospect-zvonimir-ivisic","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2023\/08\/03\/kentucky-lands-top-european-prospect-zvonimir-ivisic\/","title":{"rendered":"Kentucky Lands Top European Prospect Zvonimir Ivisic"},"content":{"rendered":"

One of Europe\u2019s top basketball prospects, 19-year-old Croatian big man <\/span>Zvonimir Ivisic<\/b><\/a>, announced his <\/span>commitment<\/span><\/a> to the University of Kentucky on Tuesday. The decision has key benefits for both a talented center with NBA aspirations and a college basketball powerhouse looking to return to glory.<\/span><\/p>\n

Kentucky Lands Top European Prospect Zvonimir Ivisic<\/h2>\n

Ivisic\u2019s Pre-College Career<\/h3>\n

Prior to joining the Wildcats, Ivisic has become well-known in the international basketball scene thanks to his standout performances in this summer\u2019s FIBA U20 Tournament. The 7-foot-2, 220-pound center displayed an impressive two-way skill set throughout Croatia\u2019s run, <\/span>averaging<\/span><\/a> 11.4 points, 5.3 rebounds and 3.4 blocks per game while shooting 34% from deep. Despite the team\u2019s 14th-place finish, he <\/span>showcased<\/span><\/a> his mobility, shooting, and defense throughout, providing NBA-ready tools for a player about to enter the NCAA.<\/span><\/p>\n

Speaking of the NBA, this isn\u2019t Ivisic\u2019s first rodeo with the draft process. The center previously declared for the 2022 and 2023 Drafts, but <\/span>withdrew in order to prepare more in Europe<\/span><\/a>. Now, he\u2019s hoping third time\u2019s the charm in the 2024 Draft, which he cannot withdraw from given league rules. However, he is currently focused on helping Kentucky win. Additionally, he works towards getting closer to his NBA goal, according to a recent interview with ESPN\u2019s Jonathan Givony.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c<\/span>I decided to come to Kentucky because it’s the best spot in the US for talented basketball players,<\/span>\u201d Ivisic said. \u201c<\/span>Coach Calipari is a Hall of Fame coach that sent more players to the NBA than anyone else.<\/span>\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Givony also pointed out that recent changes to the NCAA have made it possible for an influx of young international prospects to join a common route to the NBA:<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c<\/span>Ivisic’s commitment represents a sea change that has occurred with the proliferation of name, image and likeness (NIL) deals, which has allowed international players to make hundreds of thousands of dollars in some cases while playing college basketball, completely changing the European market.<\/span>\u201d<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

What Ivisic Brings to the Table<\/h3>\n

As mentioned earlier, Ivisic is yet another international unicorn. He has enough agility to bring the ball up the floor and finish with authority. His game is not limited to the paint. However, as evidenced by his smooth jumper that adds to his offensive versatility. As mentioned earlier, his defense is another noteworthy aspect of his game. Ivisic uses his length to his advantage, disrupting otherwise easy looks at the basket.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

7\u20192 Zvonimir Ivi\u0161i\u0107 showcased some insane flashes at U20 this year <\/p>\n

At 7\u20192 he moves insanely well\u2026 as well as hitting off the dribble 3s. <\/p>\n

Also averaged 3.2 BPG and shot 34% from deep <\/p>\n

First rounder in the 2024 draft to me pic.twitter.com\/pf0NFzKff9<\/a><\/p>\n

— Arman Jovic (@PDTScouting) July 20, 2023<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n