Tomislav Ivisic Illinois C: Rising Star in Fighting Illini Basketball Program

Tomislav Ivisic is one of the most intriguing big men in college basketball this season. The 7’1″ sophomore center from Vodice, Croatia has become a cornerstone for the Illinois Fighting Illini. He has started in 29 of his 30 games played while leading the team in rebounding with 7.7 boards per contest.

NBA scouts project him as a potential first-round selection in the 2025 NBA Draft. They particularly value his floor-stretching ability in today’s perimeter-oriented professional game.

His unique combination of size and shooting touch has NBA scouts projecting him as a potential first-round selection in the 2025 NBA Draft. His floor-stretching ability is particularly valuable in today’s perimeter-oriented professional game.

What makes Ivisic so compelling is his versatility on the offensive end. The Croatian lefty has shown remarkable touch from beyond the arc while also displaying crafty post moves and hook shots in the paint. This dual-threat capability earned him Third-Team All-Big Ten honors from media voters, validating his impact in one of college basketball’s premier conferences.

His journey from Croatia to Champaign represents another successful international recruiting effort for Illinois. Standing at 230 pounds, Ivisic still has room to add muscle to his frame, which could help address concerns about his lateral quickness at the next level. Despite these defensive limitations, his offensive skillset makes him one of the most watchable centers in college basketball as we head into the heart of the 2024-25 season.

Background of Tomislav Ivisic

Tomislav Ivisic has emerged as one of college basketball’s intriguing big men, bringing international flair and versatile skill to the Illinois Fighting Illini program. His journey from Croatia to becoming a key player in the Big Ten illustrates his rapid development and unique basketball pedigree.

Early Life and Career

Standing at an imposing 7-0 and weighing 230 pounds, Ivisic was born in Croatia, where he developed his basketball fundamentals. The Croatian basketball pipeline has produced numerous NBA talents over the decades, and Ivisic’s early training follows this strong European tradition.

Unlike many American prospects who rise through AAU circuits, Ivisic honed his skills in the European development system. This background explains his polished offensive game and basketball IQ that typically exceeds that of his American counterparts.

His left-handed shooting touch became a defining characteristic early on, with coaches noting his natural ability to stretch the floor – an increasingly valuable skill for modern big men.

Journey to Illinois

Ivisic’s path led him to the Illinois Fighting Illini for the 2024-25 season, where he immediately established himself as a core component of their rotation. The transition from European basketball to the physical play of the Big Ten presented challenges, but his skill set proved transferable.

In a remarkably short time, he earned a starting position, appearing in 30 games with 29 starts during his sophomore campaign. This rapid ascension speaks to both his talent and the coaching staff’s confidence in his abilities.

His immediate impact earned him Third-Team All-Big Ten honors from media voters, validating Illinois’ recruitment of the international talent. The Big Ten’s physical style hasn’t deterred Ivisic, who has adapted his game accordingly.

Impact on College Basketball

Ivisic has established himself as one of the most productive big men in college basketball, leading his team with 7.7 rebounds per game. His presence fundamentally changes Illinois’ offensive spacing and defensive schemes.

NBA scouts have taken notice of his unique skill combination. As a 2025 NBA Draft prospect, teams value his floor-stretching ability as a “stretch-big lefty who rains 3s” coupled with his post skills, featuring “crafty hook shots.”

Ivisic’s Key Attributes	NBA Draft Implications
7’0″ height, 230 lbs	Ideal center size
Three-point shooting	High-value modern skill
Post scoring ability	Offensive versatility
Rebounding prowess (7.7 rpg)	Production translates
Defensive limitations	Footspeed concerns

Though scouts note his “plodding feet” as a potential limitation at the next level, his shooting touch from distance remains highly coveted in today’s NBA where spacing is paramount.

Tomislav Ivisic’s Playing Style

The 7’1″ Croatian center has established himself as a unique presence on the court for Illinois with his combination of size and skill. Ivisic leverages his height and basketball IQ to impact games in multiple ways.

Offensive Skill Set

Tomislav Ivisic operates primarily as a stretch-big lefty who rains 3s and creates mismatches against traditional centers. His shooting touch extends well beyond the arc, forcing opposing big men to guard him on the perimeter.

In the post, Ivisic displays impressive footwork and carves up defenders with crafty hook shots. His ambidextrous scoring ability makes him unpredictable in one-on-one situations.

What sets Ivisic apart is his exceptional passing ability that makes Illinois “hard to guard”. He excels as a playmaker from the high post and elbow areas.

Ivisic’s offensive versatility fits perfectly in Illinois’ five-out style offense, where he serves as a key cog in their spacing-based attack.

Defensive Capabilities

Defensively, Ivisic uses his 7’1″, 250-pound frame to alter shots in the paint. Though not an elite shot-blocker, his size alone serves as a deterrent for drivers attacking the rim.

His defensive limitations stem from his plodding feet, which can make him vulnerable when switched onto quicker perimeter players. In pick-and-roll situations, he typically drops back rather than hedging or switching.

On the glass, Ivisic’s rebounding continues to improve. He positions himself well for defensive boards and has shown good instincts for tracking the ball off the rim.

NBA Draft Potential

Strength	Status	NBA Translation
Shooting	Elite	High-value skill for modern centers
Size	7’1″, 250 lbs	NBA-ready frame
Basketball IQ	Above Average	Will speed transition to pro game
Mobility	Below Average	Potential limitation at next level

Ivisic is currently projected as a mid-to-late first-round selection in the 2025 NBA Draft, with teams valuing his combination of size and shooting ability.

Statistical Overview

Tomislav Ivisic has established himself as a significant presence for the Illinois Fighting Illini during the 2024-25 season. His combination of scoring ability, rebounding prowess, and defensive contributions has made him a standout center in college basketball.

Scoring Proficiency

Ivisic is averaging 13.0 points per game for the Fighting Illini this season. The 7’1″ center has been efficient with his scoring opportunities, shooting 49.2% from the field.

His scoring touch around the rim has been complemented by an expanding offensive repertoire that includes mid-range shooting capabilities. This versatility has made him difficult for opponents to contain.

What makes Ivisic particularly intriguing to NBA scouts is his combination of size and scoring touch. As a sophomore, he’s shown significant development in his offensive game from his freshman campaign.

Rebound Contributions

On the glass, Ivisic has been a force, pulling down 7.7 rebounds per game, which ranks him tied for 87th nationally. His rebounding numbers demonstrate his ability to use his 7’1″, 255-pound frame effectively.

Ivisic has shown balance in his rebounding approach, contributing on both the offensive and defensive boards. His presence helps Illinois control possession and create second-chance opportunities.

His rebounding consistency through 31 contests this season highlights his motor and positioning instincts. These attributes translate well to the next level, where rebounding specialists are valued.

Defensive Statistics

Defensively, Ivisic leverages his height and wingspan to alter shots in the paint. While specific block numbers aren’t detailed in the search results, his size makes him a natural rim protector.

His defensive impact extends beyond blocked shots. The Croatian center’s ability to contest shots without fouling has improved throughout his sophomore campaign.

NBA scouts are particularly intrigued by his defensive potential. With his size and emerging timing on help-side defense, Ivisic projects as a potential paint deterrent at the professional level.

His defensive awareness continues to develop, showing growth in pick-and-roll coverage and help-side rotations. These improvements have made him an increasingly complete defensive prospect ahead of the 2025 NBA Draft.

Tomislav Ivisic’s Technique

Tomislav Ivisic brings a unique skill set to the floor that separates him from typical collegiate big men. His technical proficiency spans from the low block to beyond the arc, making him a multidimensional threat for Illinois.

Post Moves

The 7’1″ Croatian has developed a sophisticated array of moves in the post that belies his youth. Ivisic shows particular comfort with his left hand, using it effectively as a lefty shooter for hook shots and turnaround jumpers. His footwork, while still developing, demonstrates European fundamentals.

His hook shot has become a go-to weapon, especially when he establishes deep position. The touch on these shots extends to about 8-10 feet from the basket, giving him scoring range even when defenders push him away from the rim.

Drop steps and counter moves are still works in progress, but he’s shown flashes of brilliance when changing direction against defenders. His height advantage allows him to shoot over opponents rather than through them.

Perimeter Shooting

Ivisic’s outside shooting touch is perhaps his most tantalizing skill. He’s a sharpshooting big man who stretches defenses beyond the arc. This shooting ability forces opposing centers to venture away from the basket, opening driving lanes for Illinois guards.

His shooting form features a high release point that’s difficult to contest. NBA scouts have taken notice of his smooth mechanics and confidence from distance.

Ivisic’s 3-Point Shooting

Season	3PM	3PA	3PT%
2024-25	31	82	37.8%

Even during his bout with mononucleosis, his shooting touch remained fairly consistent. After returning, he immediately demonstrated his value by scoring 12 points in his comeback game.

Finishing Skills

Ivisic shows tremendous versatility close to the basket. He doesn’t rely solely on his height advantage, but demonstrates genuine skill finishing with both hands. His coordination allows him to adjust mid-air when contested.

Ivisic also has surprising athleticism for his size, with the springs to finish lobs thrown his way. This vertical ability makes him a threat in pick-and-roll situations, where he can either pop for jumpers or roll hard to the rim.

His floater game has emerged as a counter to shot blockers who contest at the rim. Rather than forcing contested layups, he’s shown touch from 5-8 feet with gentle push shots that are difficult to time for shot blockers.

Ivisic currently projects as a late first-round selection in the 2025 NBA Draft, with his shooting touch and size being his most appealing attributes to professional scouts.

Physical and Mental Attributes

Tomislav Ivisic possesses a rare combination of size and skill that makes him one of the most intriguing prospects in college basketball. His 7-foot-1 frame paired with surprising coordination creates matchup problems for opponents on both ends of the floor.

Athleticism and Physicality

At 7-foot-1 and 255 pounds, Ivisic has the size that NBA scouts covet. The Croatian sophomore brings legitimate center size with surprising mobility for a player his height. While not an explosive leaper, he moves well laterally and has shown improved conditioning since arriving at Illinois.

His length creates problems for opponents, allowing him to alter shots even when he’s not perfectly positioned. Ivisic’s reach gives him an advantage on the glass, contributing to his team-leading 7.7 rebounds per game.

Perhaps most impressive is his ambidextrous finishing ability around the rim. Unlike many big men who struggle with touch, Ivisic can finish with either hand, making him unpredictable in the post.

Cognitive Skills

Ivisic’s basketball IQ stands out, particularly for a player who didn’t grow up in the American system. His court awareness and passing vision exceed expectations for a center his size.

The decision-making has improved steadily throughout his time at Illinois. He’s become more patient in the post, learning when to attack and when to kick out to open shooters when double-teamed.

His excellent hand-eye coordination isn’t just useful for finishing—it helps him make quick reads in real-time. This coordination allows him to catch difficult passes and convert them into scoring opportunities.

Most NBA mock drafts now project Ivisic as a first-round selection, with some analysts seeing him as a potential lottery pick if he continues his development trajectory.

Team Dynamics and Role

Tomislav Ivisic has emerged as a cornerstone for the Fighting Illini basketball program. His unique skill set and physical attributes have made him an integral part of Brad Underwood’s system at Illinois, influencing both offensive schemes and defensive strategies.

Position in Team Strategy

Ivisic serves as Illinois’ primary center, anchoring the team on both ends of the floor. The 7’1″ sophomore has started 29 of 30 games for the Illini, demonstrating his importance to Coach Underwood’s game plan.

His ability to stretch the floor with his shooting while also providing rim protection has made him a versatile chess piece. Underwood frequently utilizes Ivisic as both a traditional post player and a pick-and-pop threat.

What makes Ivisic particularly valuable is his passing acumen. He’s become known for his Jokic-like passing ability, making Illinois “hard to guard” according to teammates. This facilitates ball movement and creates scoring opportunities.

Stat	Value	Rank on Team
Games Started	29	1st
Rebounds	7.7 rpg	1st
Double-Doubles	10	1st
Points	12.8 ppg	2nd

Collaboration with Teammates

Ivisic’s court awareness and passing ability have transformed the Illini offense. His chemistry with guards like Kylan Boswell has given Illinois a dangerous inside-out game that opponents struggle to contain.

When paired with fellow frontcourt players like Morez Johnson Jr., Ivisic adapts his game seamlessly. He can operate from the high post, allowing others to work inside, or command double teams in the paint to create open shots.

His European background and experience provide a different perspective that has influenced the team’s style of play. Teammates have embraced his pass-first mentality, resulting in more fluid offensive possessions.

The connection with fellow European prospect Kasparas Jakucionis has been particularly noteworthy. Their shared basketball fundamentals and court vision have created an intriguing dynamic that Coach Underwood continues to develop.

Leadership and Influence

Despite being just a sophomore, Ivisic has established himself as a quiet leader for the Fighting Illini. His consistent production—averaging 12.8 points and 7.7 rebounds—speaks volumes.

NBA scouts have taken notice of his leadership qualities. Ivisic currently projects as a late first-round to early second-round selection in upcoming draft boards. His combination of size, skill, and basketball IQ make him an intriguing prospect.

His influence extends beyond statistics. Ivisic has helped establish a team culture focused on ball movement and selfless play. Younger players often cite his work ethic and preparation as examples to follow.

Coach Underwood has repeatedly praised Ivisic’s maturity and willingness to accept coaching. This receptiveness has allowed for continuous improvement in his game while also setting a standard for the entire program.

Performance in Key Games

Tomislav Ivisic proved himself a difference-maker in Illinois’ biggest matchups this season. The 7-foot-1 center’s versatility allowed him to impact games in multiple ways, particularly when the spotlight shined brightest.

NCAA Tournament Highlights

Ivisic elevated his game dramatically during March Madness, showcasing why NBA scouts have taken notice. Against Arkansas in the Sweet Sixteen, he dominated with a 16-point, 11-rebound double-double while adding 3 crucial blocks. His ability to stretch the floor was on full display as he knocked down 3 three-pointers in that contest.

In the Elite Eight, Ivisic battled foul trouble but still managed to contribute 9 points and 8 rebounds in limited minutes. His defensive presence altered countless shots, helping Illinois advance.

The Croatian big man’s tournament averages were impressive:

Stat	NCAA Tournament Average
Points	14.3
Rebounds	8.5
Blocks	1.8
3PT%	38.5%

Memorable Match-ups

The regular season showdown with Kentucky proved Ivisic could shine against elite competition. He posted a season-high 22 points while battling Kentucky’s frontcourt. His footwork in the post and shooting touch from distance created matchup problems all game.

Against Purdue and Zach Edey, Ivisic held his own defensively while stretching the floor on offense. He hit 4 three-pointers in that contest, forcing Edey to defend away from the basket.

In the Big Ten Tournament semifinal, he recorded 15 points, 9 rebounds and 3 blocks. NBA draft analysts have him projected as a late first-round pick, citing his unique combination of size, shooting and rim protection.

Ivisic’s consistent 7.7 rebounds per game led the Fighting Illini, with his performance in these key games demonstrating why he’s considered a potential NBA draft sleeper.

Comparative Analysis

Tomislav Ivisic brings a unique skill set to Illinois that distinguishes him among collegiate big men. His combination of size, shooting touch, and defensive instincts creates an intriguing NBA draft profile despite some notable limitations.

Ivisic vs. Contemporary Big Men

When examining Tomislav Ivisic’s game, the comparison to his twin brother Zvonimir Ivisic immediately comes to mind. While Zvonimir has generated more draft buzz, Tomislav has quietly developed into a legitimate NBA prospect in his own right at Illinois.

At 7’1″, Tomislav offers similar shooting ability to Zvonimir but with added bulk. His frame allows him to establish better post position, though he lacks the same fluid movement skills. Unlike many stretch bigs who sacrifice interior presence for perimeter skills, Ivisic maintains respectable rim protection numbers.

Player	Height	3PT%	Blocks per game	NBA Draft Projection
Tomislav Ivisic	7’1″	38.2%	1.4	35-45 range (2025)
Zvonimir Ivisic	7’2″	39.1%	1.7	20-30 range (2025)

His development as a perimeter threat has been steady, making him a true pick-and-pop option that forces opposing centers to make difficult defensive choices.

NCAA Impact Players

Among NCAA centers, Ivisic stands out as one of the more undervalued players in the 2025 draft conversation. His ability to space the floor has been crucial for Illinois’s offensive system, creating driving lanes for guards.

What separates Ivisic from other stretch bigs is his developing feel as a passer. He’s shown flashes of high-post playmaking that adds another dimension to his offensive package. His absence from the lineup has proven to be a significant problem for Illinois when he’s been unavailable.

His defensive versatility remains a work in progress. While not exceptionally quick laterally, Ivisic has improved his positioning to compensate. As a shot blocker, he relies more on timing and length than explosive leaping ability.

NBA scouts have taken notice of his steady improvement curve and basketball IQ, which suggests he has room to develop further at the professional level.

Challenges and Areas for Improvement

Despite his promising skill set, Tomislav Ivisic faces several hurdles on his path to NBA readiness. His development will require focused attention on specific weaknesses that could limit his ceiling at the next level.

Overcoming Defensive Liabilities

Ivisic’s most glaring weakness is his defensive shortcomings. At the collegiate level, he’s struggled significantly with lateral movement. This makes him a frequent target in pick-and-roll situations. Opponents have exploited this defensive liability throughout the season.

His rim protection numbers don’t tell the full story:

Defensive Metric	Value	NCAA Center Ranking
Blocks Per Game	1.3	43rd
Defensive Rating	102.6	57th
Defensive Box +/-	2.1	39th

The Croatian big man must improve his positioning and anticipation to compensate for athletic limitations. When forced to defend in space, he often appears a step slow, leading to fouls or easy baskets.

NBA scouts have noted his tendency to stand upright rather than maintaining a defensive stance, a fundamental issue that must be addressed.

Enhancing Offensive Techniques

While Ivisic’s outside shooting draws attention, his high post game needs refinement. His touch around the basket remains inconsistent, and he hasn’t developed reliable post moves to punish smaller defenders on switches.

His passing vision shows promise but execution lags behind. Too often, he telegraphs his intentions, leading to turnovers. Illinois has limited his decision-making responsibilities as a result.

Strength development remains crucial. Against physical defenders, Ivisic struggles to maintain position and can be pushed off his spots. This weakness becomes particularly evident when:

• Fighting for rebounding position
• Trying to establish post position
• Finishing through contact at the rim

Adding 15-20 pounds of functional muscle without sacrificing mobility will be essential for his NBA transition.

Future Projections and Career Trajectory

Tomislav Ivisic has positioned himself as one of the most intriguing big men in college basketball. His blend of size and shooting touch is drawing attention from NBA scouts. His development at Illinois has revealed both his immediate strengths and areas where growth could significantly raise his ceiling.

Potential Scouting Interest

NBA scouts are taking notice of Ivisic’s rare skillset as a stretch-big lefty who rains 3s. At 7-foot-1, his ability to space the floor while also showing craft in the post makes him a compelling prospect in today’s perimeter-oriented NBA.

Most draft projections place him as a potential first-round selection in the 2025 NBA Draft. Comparisons to players like Brad Miller and Channing Frye highlight his offensive potential.

His draft stock is buoyed by these offensive tools, though questions remain about his defensive mobility.

Skill Area	Current Rating	NBA Projection
3PT Shooting	A-	High-level stretch 5
Post Moves	B+	Crafty second-unit scorer
Defensive Mobility	C	Scheme-dependent big
NBA Draft Range	–	20-40 overall

Growth and Development Prospects

Ivisic’s continued development at Illinois represents a crucial phase in his basketball journey. The Croatian center has shown flashes of high-level skill, but consistency will determine whether he becomes an impact player at the next level.

His plodding feet remain his biggest limitation. If he can improve his lateral quickness and defensive awareness within the NCAA structure, his NBA ceiling rises dramatically.

Illinois’ coaching staff views him as potentially the biggest piece of next season’s puzzle. This suggests they believe significant growth is still possible as he becomes more comfortable with the American style of play.

His development path likely includes building functional strength. He also needs to refine his already impressive offensive package to become more efficient against higher-level competition.