WATCH: Arkansas' Zvonimir Ivisic spends time with his brother during birthday

Before he left the Kentucky Wildcats for the Arkansas Razorbacks, popular center Zvonimir Ivisic was the final recruit of the 2023 class and, most notably, former coach John Calipari's era in Lexington.

Ivisic followed the legendary coach to Arkansas following his surprise departure in April rather than play for incoming Kentucky coach Mark Pope.

The popular center recently posted a picture on his Instagram stories of himself and his brother roughhousing in a swimming pool during his brother's birthday. The Razorbacks center has a brother named Tomislav Ivisic, who also plays basketball.

"@boskovic_5 happy birthday brother," Ivisic wrote.

Ivisic's IG stories

Ivisic's IG stories

Zvonimir Ivisic follows Calipari to fulfill his dream

Zvonimi Ivisic was part of coach John Calipari's extensive recruitment network, and his application to play for Kentucky took two months from his August commitment to October admission to go through.

The NCAA also took a further three months to decide whether the center could play college basketball after having played professionally overseas.

When he was granted his waiver, Zvonimir Ivisic gave ecstatic Kentucky fans cause for optimism registering 13 points, two assists, three blocks and two steals in a 16-minute cameo against Georgia.

In his exit message to Wildcats fans, the center thanked them for their extensive support which included pressure on the NCAA to grant him permission to play.

"Big Blue Nation, my amazing teammates, I love you and this has been the best experience a kid from Croatia could ask for coming to the US," Ivisic wrote in his post. "You took me as one of your own since the first moment and the love just grew! From the billboard to countless other things you’ve done to show love. I mean, come on. Who does that? I will forever be grateful for that and it will have a special place in my heart."

Ivisic also explained why he followed John Calipari to the Arkansas Razorbacks highlighting his acumen in producing NBA-ready players.

“With all that being said, I made the lifetime decision to come to college for a few reasons. Main one’s to win a national championship and go to the NBA. Monumental part of that decision was Coach Cal, and no one does both of those at the same time than him. That’s why I am excited to announce that I am committing to Coach Cal and the Arkansas Razorbacks!” Zvonimir Ivisic wrote.

Arkansas fans will be excited at the potential shown by Zvonimir Ivisic after his brief yet promising Kentucky career showed glimpses of his capability.