Big Z, the Croatian Sensation, attach whatever clever nickname rolls off the tongue best for sophomore forward Zvonimir Ivisic. Arkansas is expecting big things from its big man this season.
Ivisic (7-2, 245) is a prime breakout candidate for the Razorbacks after averaging 5.5 points and 3.3 rebounds in 12 minutes per game during a freshman season at Kentucky that did not start until mid-January do to a highly-publicized eligibility battle with the NCAA.
After following Calipari from Lexington to Fayetteville, Ivisic has been able to reap the benefits of a full offseason — aside from a short stint in a walking boot — to develop his body and game.
“The biggest thing is he has to get in the best shape of his life, and that’s hard, especially when you’re 7-2,” Calipari said. “He’s a great kid, and we just have to figure out where we’re using him, how we’re using him. He’s skilled for that size. Good passer.”
Former Razorback guard and professional player Dusty Hannahs was back on campus recently working out with the team and mentioned Ivisic as one of a handful of players who caught his eye in a recent interview on Inside Arkansas Live.
As Calipari alluded to, one of the top priorities with Ivisic is finding out where his unique skill set fits best.
Ivisic has similar floor spacing capabilities to Trevon Brazile to go along with the size and rim protection potential of Jonas Aidoo, who just so happen to be his primary competition at practice on a daily basis.
“(Ivisic) is fighting on this team with TB, who is explosive, and we’re trying to get him to be an attack player and not just a jump shooter. He’s doing pretty good,” Calipari said.
“And then with Jonas, you’ve got that has been in this league, was an all-conference players. Physically able to do the stuff you need done. That’s going to help Z get better because that’s who he’s practicing against every day.”
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