The Arkansas Razorbacks are set to lose another key piece this offseason, as 7-foot-2 forward Zvonimir Ivisic revealed on Instagram Monday that he is entering the transfer portal. The Croatian big man is now the second Arkansas player to explore new opportunities following the season’s end, joining freshman guard Casmir Chavis.
Ivisic’s Rollercoaster Season
After following head coach John Calipari from Kentucky to Arkansas, Zvonimir Ivisic experienced an up-and-down season with the Razorbacks. He posted solid averages of 8.5 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks per game while shooting an efficient 47.3% from the field and 37.6% from beyond the arc.
Despite showing flashes of brilliance—highlighted by a career-high 27 points against Alabama on Feb. 8 and a 25-point outing versus LSU days later—his playing time remained inconsistent. Over the course of the season, Ivisic reached double figures in scoring 16 times.
BREAKING: Arkansas' Zvonimir Ivisic will enter the transfer portal, per @DraftExpress pic.twitter.com/u3uLylJ0ui
— The Field of 68 (@TheFieldOf68) March 31, 2025
Inconsistent Minutes and Defensive Struggles
Ivisic began the season with a solid role in Arkansas’ rotation, but his playing time declined once SEC play started. At one point, he played fewer than 10 minutes in four consecutive games. He later worked his way back into the rotation, averaging around 25 minutes per game leading up to the regular-season finale. However, his role diminished again during the Razorbacks’ NCAA Tournament run, as he totaled just 26 minutes across three games and contributed only two points.
Head coach John Calipari frequently cited Ivisic’s defensive shortcomings as the main reason for his reduced role. “The reason I didn’t play Z more?” Calipari said following Arkansas’ Feb. 15 loss to Texas A&M. “If you were watching the game, why didn’t I play him more? He got scored on, got scored on, got scored on. He didn’t block. He doesn’t block. Then I’ve got to go with the other guy.”
Searching for a Fresh Start
This isn’t the first time Ivisic has faced challenges in his collegiate career. At Kentucky, he missed the start of the 2023-24 season due to NCAA eligibility issues but made an immediate impact in his debut, posting 13 points, five rebounds, and three blocks against Georgia. Unfortunately, frequent illness hampered his ability to build on that momentum.
Now, Ivisic is seeking a new opportunity where he can maximize his potential. His twin brother, Tomislav, recently finished his first season as Illinois’ starting center, raising speculation about whether Zvonimir might join him or choose a different path. Though he’s not currently projected as a top NBA draft pick, Ivisic is ranked No. 74 on On3’s draft board, according to analyst James Fletcher III. With his unique combination of size and mobility, he remains an intriguing prospect. His next destination could be the key to unlocking sustained success.
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