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John Calipari Reveals Reason Zvonimir Ivisic Has Not Been Cleared By NCAA

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John Calipari criticizes the NCAA for Zvonimir Ivisic situation.
© Jordan Prather-USA TODAY Sports

Zvonimir Ivisic arrived in Lexington from Croatia more than 90 days ago and has yet to be cleared. For reference, the NCAA allots 45 days to determine eligibility status before an appeal. It has now been more than double that in Ivisic’s case.

Over the weeks, and now months, rumors have circulated about why Ivisic has yet to be cleared. First, there were some academic hurdles to overcome, but now it is focused on his amateur status. Ivisic previously played for SC Derby, also called Studentski Centar, for the past three seasons, a program that has developed multiple D-1 collegiate players.

Following the win over Louisville in late December, John Calipari slighted the NCAA and provided some insight into Ivisic’s eligibility case when asked about him post-game. “You do know juniors/seniors make hundreds of thousands in high school? High school.” Calipari said. “‘Well, it’s stated different’. Stop it. That’s why we are in this position. The Supreme Court and every court says no, you can’t do it that way.”

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In a podcast with former Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski on Thursday, Calipari criticized the NCAA again, also providing more details on Ivisic’s eligibility case.

“We have one we’re waiting on. He made a stipend. You’re saying it was too much?, ” Calipari said, questioning the NCAA. “Juniors and seniors in high school are making hundreds of thousands and you’re talking his stipend, $200-$300 too much?”

A $200-$300 overcharge seems something that could be resolved quickly, simply by paying it back. However, the NCAA has a long record of harsh disciplinary actions over relatively minor things. Calipari does not mention if there are any other issues in Ivisic’s case.

While the top American high school athletes can make X times more than the average American salary and still retain their amateur status, the NCAA is focused on a few hundred dollars on a stipend for an international prospect. Questioning the leadership and the priorities of the NCAA is fair.

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That said, Ivisic and Kentucky have stayed the course and have been patient, but that patience is running thin, especially with John Calipari. Hopefully, an end to this situation is in sight.

Men's Basketball

Kentucky Basketball’s Practice Facility Sees Major Makeover

The Joe Craft Center, after years of casual criticism from Wildcats fans, has finally been given an upgrade.

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UK Athletics

Maybe the weirdest qualm of many that plagued John Calipari’s tenure at Kentucky were the consistent complaints about the team’s practice facility, the Joe Craft Center.

From exaggerated rumors about leaks in the ceiling to general observations made about the court and facilities, fans, especially towards the end of that era, pointed to the Craft Center’s age as one of many signs of the times. Even in spite of occasional, supposed changes now and again.

In only his second year, Mark Pope has seemingly already addressed that complaint — at least to an extent.

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The official Kentucky men’s basketball account recently posted a video across all social media platforms of the team during summer practice, featuring and obviously removed Craft Center court.

The court itself has been redone, in addition to the graphics and banners on the wall. Alongside the hanging threads celebrating the program’s eight national championships, a ninth one has been tacked onto the end.

It simply reads: “#9 – The Assignment.” If fans weren’t already excited enough for Coach Pope’s sophomore season, a ninth title banner being fixed in the renovation’s spotlight should send folks through the roof.

It may seem like a small thing, but given the program’s track record in the last few years, it’s the small things that feel the biggest. Mark Pope not only understands the assignment, but he’s making sure his team does, too.

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Men's Basketball

Jasper Johnson Makes Final U19 USA Roster Under Coach Mark Pope

Jasper Johnson has advanced in the U19 USA camp for the second time alongside the nation’s best recruits, and under Mark Pope’s wing.

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Jasper Johnson advances at U19 camp.
Instagram: @bruhjasperj (UK Athletics)

In a surprisingly relevant development smack dab in the middle of the offseason, Jasper Johnson has yet again advanced in the pool of players participating in the USA U19 camp.

The program, which could be a described as a sort of extension of the Team USA that just took home the gold in 2024, is comprised of some of the nation’s most anticipated talents set to take collegiate courts in the next couple of seasons.

Blue Gets In

Among them is Kentucky native and commit Johnson, and was also incoming Cat Malachi Moreno, before the latter was cut as a result of a mild injury he obtained throughout the camp’s course. Despite Moreno’s exit, his future teammate continues to impress.

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Under the wing of Coach Mark Pope, who’s helmed the team in the camp up to this point, Johnson has now made the final cut after multiple roster slashes – he and only 11 other players remain in the minority that will go forward to actually compete for the team in the 2025 FIBA U19 Men’s World Cup, which will take place June 28 through July 6 in Lausanne, Switzerland.

The pre-competition camp serves not only as a trial of play before these athletes disperse to their own respective rosters this fall and next, but for Johnson, as a preview of what it’s like to play under Coach Pope. If his current success is any indicator, Kentucky fans may be in for something special when the pair tackle opposing teams together for the blue and white.

In similar noteworthy news, also attending the event are Taylen Kinney and Tyran Stokes, two Kentucky-born athletes with ties to Kentucky that the program is heavily recruiting. Jasper’s strong performance, combined with Coach Pope’s presence, can only help the Wildcats’ chances on that front, too.

To say the least, Mark Pope has found a way to facilitate Kentucky’s influence far beyond the boundaries of Lexington. He and Johnson, for the time being, will continue to press turn heads on the national stage, and it’s very likely that fans aren’t the only ones paying attention.

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Men's Basketball

Archie Goodwin and Kahlil Whitney Set to Join La Familia This Summer

La Familia continues to add more firepower to the 2025 roster.

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James Crisp (Left), Adam Hunger (Right) | Associated Press

As the start of the 2025 TBT Tournament inches closer, La Familia has been slowly but surely adding star Wildcats to the roster.

Usually, we see announcements for new additions to the squad roll out on social media in some form, whether it be a post from La Familia’s official accounts or in form of Ansley Almonor’s announcement, which took place on BBN Tonight.

However, this time, Archie Goodwin and Kahlil “The Dragon” Whitney were added to the roster on the TBT website without any announcement, surprising Big Blue Nation as the news leaked and began to circulate.

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They were removed from the website afterwards, but as of Thursday, June 19, appear on the website as listed members of the roster.

Goodwin has been an active member for years, highlighted by his semifinals appearance last year where he averaged 13.8 points per game en route.

Whitney is a name that may cause some to shed a tear, with so much potential surrounding the former five-star leading up to his debut. Ultimately, he left the program after appearing in just 18 games for Kentucky.

La Familia is competitive as all get out, shown by chippy play with guys who have nothing to lose but everything to win for the place they call home. Goodwin and Whitney, now added to that list of guys, will look to redeem themselves with one goal in mind. Win.

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The official La Familia roster as of June 19:

– Willie Cauley-Stein (2012-15)

– Doron Lamb (2010-12)

– DeAndre Liggins (2008-11)

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– Aaron Harrison (2013-15)

– Andrew Harrison (2013-15)

– Ansley Almonor (2024-25)

– Archie Goodwin (2012-13)

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– Kahlil Whitney (2019-20)

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