In a major transfer portal development, Illinois basketball has secured 7’2″ Croatian center Zvonimir Ivisic from Arkansas. The April 5th commitment reunites “Big Z” with his twin brother Tomislav, creating what could become one of college basketball’s most imposing frontcourt duos for the upcoming 2025-26 season.
This marks Illinois’ first transfer acquisition of the offseason, filling a critical roster gap. Zvonimir brings a rare combination of size, shot blocking prowess and perimeter shooting to Champaign having connected on 38% of his three point attempts with the Razorbacks last season.
Twin Towers Reunited: Zvonimir Ivisic Join Forces With Brother
Tomislav emerged as a standout during his freshman season with the Fighting Illini in 2024-25, averaging 13 points and 7.7 rebounds while setting an NCAA Tournament record with five three-pointers in a single game, the most ever by a seven-footer.
The twins previously dominated together at SC Derby in Montenegro before taking separate paths in college basketball. Their reunion provides Illinois coach Brad Underwood with unprecedented frontcourt versatility, featuring two seven-footers who can both protect the rim and stretch defenses with their shooting range.
NEWS: Arkansas big man Zvonimir Ivisic has committed to Illinois, he told @LeagueRDY.
Ivisic is a 7-foot-2 big who began his career at Kentucky before following Coach Cal to Arkansas last spring. Native of Vodice, Croatia.
He averaged 8.5PPG, 4.3RPG and 1.9BPG this season. Shot… pic.twitter.com/qI7Xm1b0vG
— Sam Kayser – 24/7 High School Hoops (@247HSHoops) April 5, 2025
Zvonimir began his collegiate career at Kentucky under coach John Calipari in 2023-24. Despite a memorable debut against Georgia that earned him the “Big Z” nickname, his playing time was limited by eligibility issues and Kentucky’s crowded frontcourt.
When Calipari departed for Arkansas in 2024, Zvonimir followed, becoming the first Wildcat to join his coach at the new program. With the Razorbacks, he appeared in 35 games during the 2024-25 season, starting 19 and averaging 8.5 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks per game.
Illinois assistant coach Orlando Antigua, who originally recruited Zvonimir to Kentucky and later brought Tomislav to Illinois, played a key role in facilitating this latest transfer. The coach’s longstanding relationship with both brothers proved decisive in bringing Zvonimir to Champaign.
The twins experienced their first collegiate matchup during Thanksgiving 2024 when Illinois defeated Arkansas 90-77. Tomislav outshined his brother with 21 points and 10 rebounds compared to Zvonimir’s 13 points and six rebounds.
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Zvonimir’s arrival helps Illinois offset the departure of freshman Morez Johnson Jr. to Michigan. With the Ivisic twins anchoring the frontcourt the Fighting Illini are positioned to build upon their nation-leading rebounding average of 42.6 rebounds per game from last season.
The complementary skills of the Ivisic brothers, Zvonimir’s elite shot blocking combined with Tomislav’s superior rebounding and play making will create matchups that align perfectly with Coach Underwood’s system, potentially elevating Illinois into the upper echelon of championship contenders.
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