Chambana Sun

Zvonimir Ivisic, a 7-foot-2-inch center from Vodice, Croatia, has signed with the University of Illinois, joining as a transfer. He becomes part of the Fighting Illini basketball program after playing at Kentucky in 2023-24 and Arkansas the following season. Ivisic's addition reunites him with his twin brother, Tomislav Ivisic, currently a center for the team.

Brad Underwood, head coach of the Fighting Illini, praised Zvonimir's skills, stating, "Zvonimir is an exciting, impactful player on both ends of the floor. He is an elite shooter who stretches the floor and can pass, and he is a terrific presence defensively with his length and ability to block and alter shots. He really fits how we want to play in 5-out, facilitating as a shooter and passer."

During his previous season with Arkansas, Zvonimir participated in 35 games with 19 starts, contributing to the Razorbacks' Sweet 16 appearance. He averaged 8.5 points and 4.3 rebounds in 19 minutes of play per game, while shooting a team-best 37.6% from three-point range. Ivisic led his team in blocks with 66 (1.9 per game), ranking second in the SEC and 16th nationally in block percentage.

As a freshman at Kentucky, Ivisic played 15 games, helping the Wildcats secure a No. 3 seed in the 2024 NCAA Tournament. He averaged 5.5 points, 3.3 rebounds and 1.3 blocks per game.

Before his college career in the U.S., Zvonimir played two seasons for SC Derby in Montenegro's Adriatic League, where he averaged 5.2 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks per game. He also represented Croatia at the 2023 FIBA U20 European Championship, averaging 11.4 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 3.4 blocks.

The Ivisic twins will become the first pair of brothers to play together for the Illini basketball team since the Judson twins, Paul and Phil, in 1956.