Even after flying over the GLOBL Jam in Toronto in early July, John Calipari is still building his roster for next season.
The coach of Kentucky has indeed just brought a final reinforcement to its “superteam” of “freshmen” securing the commitment of Zvonimir Ivisica 19-year-old Croatian pivot trained for two seasons with SC Derby Podgorica, in the Adriatic league.
Considered one of the best European talents of his age group (2003), the 2m18 pivot is an atypical player for his position, endowed with great technical qualities for a player of his size and a good touch behind the arc . Relatively discreet with his club, he however burst the screen this summer, at the European U20 Championship in the ranks of Croatia, averaging 11.4 points, 5.3 rebounds and 3.4 blocks per game.
What role for the Croatian?
His development will therefore continue on the side of Lexington, in the ranks of the ambitious Wildcats. As it stands, however, it is difficult to imagine him playing a central role in the rotation of “Coach Cal” from next season, when Aaron Bradshaw and Ugonna Onyenso are already present on station 5 and will consume the majority there. minutes (even if they are both injured right now…).
More a raw talent to polish than an immediate contribution, therefore, Zvonimir Ivisic nevertheless remains a significant reinforcement for Kentucky in terms of raw talent. It remains to be hoped that John Calipari, historically more interested in the backs of his device, uses it correctly and facilitates its emergence…
Photo credit: FIBA Basketball
