Kentucky freshman Ivisic cleared to play by NCAA

Jeff Borzello, ESPN

• Personnel WriterJan 20, 2024, 02:38 PM ET Close Basketball recruiting expert.
• Joined ESPN in 2014.
• Graduate of University of Delaware.Kentucky freshman Zvonimir Ivisic was cleared to play by the NCAA on Saturday afternoon after fighting for his eligibility the entire season.Ivisic posted a video on social networks revealing the news, with Kentucky athletic director Mitch Barnhart validating it minutes later on.” Hey BBN, think what? I’m free,”Ivisic stated. “See y’ all tonight at the game. Thank you for all the assistance. Go BBN! “We’re happy to share that @zvonimir_ivisic is qualified to play. Want to thank everybody at the @universityofky, our @UKAthletics personnel and the @NCAA for resolving this. Amazing time for @UKCoachCalipari, @KentuckyMBB and #BBN. Go Big Blue! pic.twitter.com/q7sJn0Mb7D!.?.!— Mitch Barnhart(@UKMitchBarnhart)January 20, 2024 A 7-foot-2 center from Croatia, Ivisic was thought about among the best worldwide potential customers getting in college basketball this season, with scouts impressed by his shot-making and ending up ability.But he wasn’t admitted into the school till early October and has been

  awaiting clearance from the NCAA for the past three months.Kentucky fans tried to put pressure on the NCAA earlier this month when it raised cash to install a #FreeBigZ billboard near NCAA headquarters.Editor’s Picks

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John Calipari went over the university’s fight with the NCAA over Ivisic’s eligibility on his radio program.”It’s unfair to him,” he said.

“And then it’s taking the NCAA a lot more time to take a look at the truths. There are European kids playing all around the nation, however they’re playing and he’s not?”” Ideally we hear something,”

Calipari continued.” I just know that around the country, people are being very aggressive when it comes to different stuff with the NCAA. My hope is if this thing sticks around excessive longer, we become aggressive too.”After Kentucky’s win over Mississippi State earlier this week, Calipari stated he didn’t prepare to redshirt Ivisic if he was cleared.”He’s just a great kid and he deserves it,”he said.”If he becomes qualified, I’ll play him. I don’t know just how much.”Kentucky is off to a 13-3 start without Ivisic, ranked No. 8 in the country. The Wildcats host Georgia on Saturday afternoon.