Basketball fans have spent the last two years obsessing over Zvonimir Ivisic—the 7-foot-2 Croatian unicorn nicknamed "Big Z" who took Kentucky by storm. But honestly, the conversation is shifting. While Zvonimir was busy making highlight reels for John Calipari, his "secret weapon" was across the ocean.
Meet Tomislav Ivisic.
He isn't just "the other brother." He's Zvonimir Ivisic's twin brother, a 7-foot-1 force of nature who has officially joined the University of Illinois. As of early 2026, the Ivisic twins have done what once seemed impossible: they’ve reunited in Champaign to form the tallest, most skilled frontcourt in the Big Ten.
It’s a bizarre, fascinating story of two brothers who were separated by NCAA eligibility rules and coaching carousels, only to find their way back to the same jersey.
Who Exactly is Tomislav Ivisic?
Tomislav is the older twin—by exactly four minutes. If you ask Zvonimir, he’ll tell you that Tomislav is his "life's greatest influence." That’s a heavy title when you’re both fighting for NBA attention.
For a long time, Tomislav was the one staying behind in Europe while Zvonimir chased the American dream. While Zvonimir was dealing with the NCAA's eligibility nightmare at Kentucky in late 2023, Tomislav was grinding in the Adriatic League (ABA) for SC Derby. He wasn't just sitting on the bench, either. He was averaging 7.1 points and nearly 4 rebounds against grown men in one of the toughest pro leagues in the world.
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When he finally committed to Illinois in May 2024, it sent shockwaves through the scouting community. Most people expected him to stay pro. Instead, he chose the orange and blue.
The Skill Set Split: How They Differ
You’d think identical twins would play identical games. Wrong.
Zvonimir is the "flash." He's the one who steps out, hits four straight threes, and blocks a shot into the third row. He’s thinner, more mobile, and plays like a giant guard.
Tomislav? He’s the "bruiser." He weighs in at around 255 pounds—roughly 20-30 pounds heavier than his brother. He has a more traditional post game, but don't let that fool you. He can still shoot the lights out. During his last season in Montenegro, he shot 42% from beyond the arc.
Basically, if you try to guard Zvonimir on the perimeter, Tomislav will eat you alive in the paint. If you double-team Tomislav, Zvonimir is standing at the top of the key waiting to bury a triple. It's a nightmare for opposing coaches.
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The Journey to Illinois: A Family Reunion
The road to the 2025-26 season was a wild one. Zvonimir started at Kentucky, then followed Calipari to Arkansas. Meanwhile, Tomislav landed at Illinois under Brad Underwood.
On Thanksgiving 2024, the brothers actually played against each other when Illinois faced Arkansas in Kansas City. It was the first time they had ever been on opposite sides of a competitive court. Imagine that—21 years of being teammates, then suddenly you’re trying to block your brother’s layup in front of thousands of people.
But then, the portal happened.
After a season at Arkansas, Zvonimir decided he wanted to be with his family. He transferred to Illinois in April 2025. Now, the "Twin Towers" are a reality.
The NCAA Eligibility Drama
We can't talk about the Ivisic twins without mentioning the headaches. Both brothers had to fight tooth and nail to play college ball.
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- Zvonimir's Wait: He missed the first 16 games of his Kentucky career while the NCAA debated his "amateur" status because he had played for a pro club in Europe.
- Tomislav's Deal: To play for Illinois, Tomislav had to agree to a "financial repayment." Basically, he had to donate a portion of the money he earned in Europe to a charity. He also lost a year of eligibility, being classified as a sophomore despite it being his first year in the States.
It was a mess. But as of 2026, both are cleared, both are dominant, and both are projected to be serious NBA prospects.
Why This Matters for the Big Ten
The Big Ten has always been a "big man's league." From Zach Edey to Hunter Dickinson, the conference is defined by height. But the Ivisic twins are different. They aren't just tall; they are skilled.
Having two 7-footers who can pass, shoot, and switch on defense is a tactical cheat code. Coach Brad Underwood has been vocal about how their "high-low" chemistry is something you can't teach. They have that "twin telepathy"—that weird ability to know exactly where the other one is without looking.
What's Next for the Ivisic Twins?
If you're following the 2026 NBA Draft boards, you'll see both names popping up. Most scouts still favor Zvonimir because of his "unicorn" mobility, often comparing him to a raw version of Kristaps Porziņģis.
However, Tomislav is rising fast. His physicality and rebounding numbers (averaging nearly 9 boards a game in late 2025) make him a safer bet for teams looking for a reliable NBA rotation center.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Scouts:
- Watch the High-Low Action: Pay attention to how Illinois uses Tomislav in the post to find Zvonimir cutting. It’s their most effective play.
- Check the Rebound Splits: Tomislav is the primary glass-cleaner; if he’s in foul trouble, Illinois’ defense changes completely.
- Draft Watch: Keep an eye on late first-round projections. There is a very real chance both brothers are drafted in the same year, potentially back-to-back.
The story of Zvonimir Ivisic’s twin brother is no longer just a footnote. Tomislav has stepped out of the shadow and into the starting lineup. Whether they’re blocking shots or draining threes, the Ivisic era in Champaign is officially the most entertaining show in college basketball right now.