Social Media Buzzes as Zvonimir Ivisic Joins Brother Tomislav at Illinois

After losing forward Carey Booth to the transfer portal (and, eventually Colorado State), things quickly began to unravel for Illinois as Morez Johnson Jr. and guards Tre White and Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn followed Booth into the portal. Johnson (Michigan) and White (Kansas) have already officially moved on.

With other programs landing commitments left and right, the depleted Illini were seeking their first transfer of the offseason. But in recent days, top target Josh Dix announced his commitment to Creighton and Jaylin Sellers, a high-priority transfer who had Illinois among his top four finalists, pledged to Providence.

Illinois, which may wind up needing to replace half its roster, were desperate to find footing in the portal by the weekend. Underwood and his staff got it Saturday when they landed Zvonimir Ivisic – a 7-foot-2 highly skilled big man from Arkansas who just so happens to be the twin brother of Illinois’ star big man Tomislav.

Zvonimir averaged 8.5 points, 4.3 rebounds and 1.9 blocks in just 19.1 minutes as s sophomore last season, helping lift the Razorbacks to the Sweet 16. A legitimate perimeter threat, Zvonimir connected on 1.3 triples per outing – and at quite an efficient rate of 37.6 percent.

Bringing his talents to Champaign to pair with those of his brother, Zvonimir naturally drew a lot of excitement from Illinois’ fanbase with his commitment. Here are a few of their best reactions from social media:

Wtw, Big Z

Wtw ILL🧡 pic.twitter.com/jJpf6Ro5Nf
— Zvonimir Ivisic (@zvonimir_ivisic) April 5, 2025

Ivisic brothers superpowers

Zvonimir Ivisic to Illinois is not being talked about enough.

Alone, he was relatively underwhelming. But the chemistry between him and his twin brother Tomislav has the potential to be wicked, especially considering both are multi-dimensional, floor-spacing seven footers.
— College Hoops Database (@CollegeHoopsTIk) April 6, 2025

Family ties

Here’s a fun nugget from @IlliniAthletics

Tomislav and Zvonimir Ivisic are the first #illini brothers to play basketball together since 1956!

Paul and Phil Judson were the last to do so. pic.twitter.com/U59EaMLSzj
— Carson Gourdie (@GourdieReport) April 7, 2025

I-L-L ...

The I’s in #ILLINI now stand for Ivišić.

Is it next season yet??? pic.twitter.com/HJAKGs1qUm
— Bret Bielema's Grin (@nameUNORIGINAL) April 6, 2025

Big guard

At 7 foot 2, Zvonimir Ivisic has some unreal perimeter skills pic.twitter.com/4z2vpUKXHU
— Armchair Illinois (@ArmchairIllini) April 6, 2025

Kobe Ivisic and Shaquille O'visic?

The Illini have a new duo🔥 Welcome @zvonimir_ivisic! pic.twitter.com/yf4SGFYz9H
— Gameday Spirit | Illinois (@GamedaySpirit) April 6, 2025

There's always a Randy

I like to think that Tomislav Ivisic and Zvonimir Ivisic have a regular-sized, chronically-underachieving brother named Randy
— Bob Zuppke (@BobZuppke) April 5, 2025

Fate of the universe on the line?

For the record, if the choice is Morez or Zvonimir, I'm taking Big Z every time
— Quentin Wetzel (@qwetz29) April 5, 2025

Run it back

If I had a nickel for every time I've covered Zvonimir Ivisic! pic.twitter.com/qvrjpCzmXc
— Courtney Layne Brewer (@courtneylaynebr) April 5, 2025

Future Illini lovin' it

Lets goo🧡💙
— Brandon Lee (@brandonlee1415) April 5, 2025