Tre Mitchell Calls Zvonimir Ivisic Debut 'Just The Beginning'

The saying goes, “Good things come to those who wait,” as was the case for Zvonimir Ivisic. After months of waiting, Ivisic made his long-awaited Kentucky debut this past Saturday against Georgia and did so in a big way. Prior to the game, John Calipari told the team he would play and “get his feet wet.”

Ivisic certainly got his feet wet, but by diving in head-first.

It started with a block. Then a behind-the-back pass to Antonio Reeves for a three. Then four consecutive made shots, including three three-pointers. Within minutes, Ivisic had put his name in Kentucky basketball lore in a debut like few have ever seen. Ivisic finished the game with 13 points (3-4 3P), 5 rebounds, 3 blocks, 2 assists, and 2 steals, in just sixteen minutes.

The best part of the game? Ivisic said it was when his teammates mobbed him and celebrated with him on the court. “I know it meant a lot to them, for me to cheer for them. It meant a lot to me, for them to cheer for me,” Ivisic said.

Following the game, his teammates went on to talk about the impressive debut, including Tre Mitchell. “You seen it,” Mitchell said. “You know Z brings, he brings a lot to the table for us, and him being free finally is great.”

“Props to him in that he’s been patient throughout the whole process, and has stayed ready the whole time. So, his play speaks for itself.”

However, while Ivisic was patient, Mitchell wondered if he would ever be able to play. “There were times I was just like, ‘Is this ever going to happen?’ It was almost like a test for him, mentally. He passed the test and is reaping the rewards. This is just the beginning.”

If this is just the beginning, teams will be wishing Big Z was never freed.