Ivisic has rejoined his teammates before their trip to Florida.
This is huge news, as many thought Ivisic was set to remain in Croatia and not return to the team, given how the NCAA continues to drag its feet regarding his eligibility status.
Thankfully, there’s still hope that we will eventually see Big Z suit up for the Cats, hopefully soon.
The Kentucky Wildcats are now up to No. 6 in this week’s AP Poll, but they are still missing one of their 7-footers.
Zvonimir Ivisic has still not been cleared to play by the NCAA and decided to go back home to Croatia for the holidays.
Some questioned if the 7-foot-2 center would return to Lexington, but John Calipari said he is expected to rejoin the team this week before their trip to Florida for the SEC opener.Kentucky at Florida game glance
Calipari recently told reporters that Ivisic has been struggling with the whole situation, which is why they decided to send him home for the holidays.
After going home, it would have been easy for him to stay home with his family and friends, but instead, he is eager to get back to Lexington, according to Calipari.
“He’s (Ivisic) dying to get back. He wants to play for this university and these fans in the worst way,” Calipari said during his Monday call-in show. “He went back and told everybody, ‘I’ve never been coached this way. I’ve never been challenged this way. I love the environment, the fans.’ He just wants to play.”
Calipari also confirmed that part of the hold-up with the NCAA is due to Ivisic making money while he was playing professionally in Croatia.
There are still a lot of questions about whether or not Ivisic will be granted eligibility, but hopefully, we will see him taking the floor for the Cats sooner rather than later.
