Sam Upshaw Jr. / Courier Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK

Arkansas Razorbacks: Fans React to John Calipari Securing Commitment of Gifted Kentucky Wildcats Asset

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Rex Villas | Last updated 4/16/24

In a heartfelt letter posted on social media, Croatian big man Zvonimir Ivisic revealed that he’s leaving the Kentucky Wildcats to follow former Kentucky head coach John Calipari to Fayetteville and play for the Arkansas Razorbacks.

“Today I met with coach Pope and had a great meeting with him. He’s an amazing guy and a great coach and he will do big things here! After our conversation I informed him that I will not be returning to Kentucky. Big Blue Nation, my amazing teamates, I love you and this has been the best experience a kid from Croatia could ask for coming to the US,” Ivisic shared.

“I made the lifetime decision to come to college for [a] few reasons. Main ones to win a national championship and go to the NBA. Monumental part of that decision was coach Cal, and no one does both of those at the same time than him. That’s why I am excited to announce that I am committing to coach Cal and Arkansas Razorbacks! Woo Pig Sooie!!!” Ivisic added.

Fans react to Ivisic’s Move to Go to Arkansas Razorbacks

Ivisic’s decision to leave Lexington left college basketball fans buzzing online. After all, the hoops world hasn’t even moved on completely from the shocking departure of Calipari as head coach of the Wildcats.

“Arkansas is already better than Kentucky… Wild,” said @HowUBenFeller.

IT BEGINS

Kentucky transfer C Zvonimir Ivisic has committed to the Razorbacks!

Calipari gets his first commit as the Hog HC! #WPS pic.twitter.com/nEOf6dEyQY

— Sidelines – Arkansas (@SSN_Arkansas) April 15, 2024

“Wishing the best for Z, I don’t take it personal,” posted @chrisjo40312.

From@gravedigger187: “Apparently he doesn’t want to win a championship, if so he didn’t listen to coach cal or see what he has/hasn’t done in winning a championship in the last 12 years. Good luck to him but im sure he’s going to be disappointed.”

Zvonimir Ivisic, a 7'2 center with big time NBA upside has decided to follow John Calipari from Kentucky to Arkansas.

MONSTER first get for Coach Cal and the Hogs, as with a full off season and preseason he has a chance to be special next year pic.twitter.com/0TaYnfYpWn

— Aaron Torres (@Aaron_Torres) April 15, 2024

Nevertheless, it’s probably the best decision for Ivisic to come and play for the coach who recruited him to go to the United States. It took months before Ivisic was able to make his debut in college for Kentucky last January, as the NCAA thoroughly reviewed his eligibility, thus limiting him to just a total of 15 games in Wildcats uniform.

Given his familiarity with Calipari (and vice versa), Ivisic can be expected to have a much bigger role for the Arkansas Razorbacks than the one he had at Kentucky. During his short stint with the Wildcats last season, Ivisic averaged just 5.5 points and 3.3 rebounds in 11.7 minutes per outing.

This article first appeared on Hardwood Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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