2024 Prospect Spotlights: Zvonimir and Tomislav Ivisic

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Offense

Ivišić is a mobile big who can knock down threes at a high clip to stretch the floor (46.5 percent). He has a smooth stroke and will shoot it with no hesitation. Most of his shot opportunities come off pick-and-fades and occasional post-ups. He will use a solid right-hand hook over the top of his defenders and utilize his length to play above the rim. Ivišić’s first instinct is to look for his shot on the outside or set screens for others to get open looks. He hasn’t taken a mid-range jumper all season.

Ivišić has solid offensive tools, but he is not a great facilitator. He makes careless passes and doesn’t read the defense before making decisions, which has resulted in a poor assist-to-turnover ratio (0.42). He also has a bad habit of hip-checking and not staying solid on screens. Ivišić does have the potential to be a better ball handler, as he has utilized solid dribble moves for a big man, but his handle is still too loose and easily pressured on double teams.

He has the solid build to be a good rebounder, but Ivišić only averages 3.8 rebounds per game. He sometimes crashes the glass and boxes out, but it isn’t consistent enough for a player of his stature. For the quality shooting he has shown this year, that success hasn’t translated to the free-throw line, where he currently shoots 68 percent. Over time, that number should increase and become more consistent.

Defense

Ivišić uses his length and mobility well on defense, contesting on the perimeter and covering a lot of ground at the rim. Sometimes, big men with solid footwork can work inside and score when Ivišić isn’t in a position to contest. He consistently falls for moves involving crossovers and allows the offensive player an open lane. However, his length allows him to catch up and recover for the rejection. Ivišić also sits too much on his heels or gets flat-footed, which allows perimeter players to get their shots off.

As a defender, Ivišić has shown good discipline and solid defensive intellect. He instinctively sticks his arms straight up when driven on by opposing players or on post-ups by big men. Despite his size, he tends to get outmuscled by stronger players who may play lower to the ground. With some adjustments and growing into his frame, Ivišić has the talent to be a well-rounded rim protector and interior defender.

Looking Ahead

Based on his current skill set and potential as a defender, Ivišić resembles Kristaps Porziņģis and Aleksej Pokuševski. Porziņģis is a fantastic three-point shooter and a rim-protecting threat, while Pokuševski had some flashes as a wiry big with ball-handling capabilities.

Ivišić’s shooting splits should translate to the pro level and may improve throughout the season. He has little to no mid-range game and limited post-up moves but has the potential to develop in both of these areas. On the defensive side of the ball, Ivišić has demonstrated the length and mobility that NBA teams look for in stretch bigs. If he wants to have a more significant impact on the floor, he can become more effective on the block and generate open looks for others. He projects as a second-round pick but could be a steal if his shooting translates and develops in the interior.

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If we can grab either of Ivisic twins in Round 2, I'll consider a major win.
Though, they are likely years away from being rotation players.

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Top 50 prospects to watch in March Madness

49. Tomislav Ivisic, C, Illinois

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Height: 7-1 | Sophomore | TS%: 60.1%
First game: No. 6 Illinois vs. TBD, Friday, 9:45 p.m. (CBS)

Ivisic became one of the most underrated big men in college basketball this season after following his twin brother, Zvonimir (who plays for Arkansas), to the United States. He made the jump to Illinois from the Adriatic League, supplying plus-passing ability operating in the middle of the floor and playing a reliable brand of basketball.

While not a clear-cut case for this year's draft -- another year in college would prove beneficial to sharpen his game and better showcase his offense -- there are NBA teams already drawn to his size and skill level at the center position. If Illinois can string tournament wins together, Ivisic should benefit from more exposure. -- Woo

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Top 50 prospects to watch in March Madness

39. Zvonimir Ivisic, PF/C, Arkansas

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Height: 7-2 | Sophomore | TS%: 60.5%
First game: No. 10 Arkansas vs. No. 7 Kansas, Thursday, 7:10 p.m. ET (CBS)

Ivisic has been on the radar of NBA teams for years, entering and withdrawing from the 2022 and 2023 drafts before enrolling at Kentucky (and then landing at Arkansas). He has long intrigued scouts with his unicorn potential at his height, hitting 3-pointers in bunches, blocking shots prolifically and, every so often, exploding for huge games.

Ivisic has been frustratingly inconsistent simultaneously, with wild swings in productivity, struggling to play through contact and showing concerning lapses in awareness on both ends of the floor. He seems likely to return to college next season, but he has the type of talent that will be closely monitored, as stretch bigs in this mold are difficult to come by. -- Givony

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