Can Illinois Basketball play the Ivisic brothers together?

After a rough start to transfer portal season that saw some key contributors from the Illinois basketball team enter the transfer portal, there was a glimmer of excitement on April 5th. First off, Arkansas transfer Zvonimir Ivisic announced that he has committed to Illinois after playing two years in the SEC. Zvonimir’s brother, Tomislav, went on to announce his plans to return to the Fighting Illini. In previous days, Kylan Boswell and Ty Rodgers both additionally announced their intent to return to Illinois basketball. The Ivisic brothers, Boswell, Rodgers, and Jake Davis make for a solid foundation heading into next year. For starters, there are already more returning players compared to this previous year.

The big question is, however, whether both Ivisic brothers will share time on the floor. Previously, the plan was to have rising sophomore Morez Johnson Jr. play alongside Ivisic on the frontcourt. However, Johnson Jr. transferred, and Zvonimir is a fellow 7-foot big man who plays the exact same position as Tomislav.

Twin Towers

I do think that both Ivisic brothers can share the court at the same time. Though they are both over 7 feet tall, they offer different skill sets. Zvonimir is a quick twitch athlete that can serve as a lob threat and also protects the basket better than his brother at 3.9 blocks per game per 40 minutes. Will Brad Underwood and the Illini staff decide to roll this lineup out to start games? Well, Kylan Boswell and Ty Rodgers are likely going to be starters. I doubt that Ty Rodgers decided to come back after redshirting only to come off the bench.  That being said, the Illini will need one more frontcourt piece off the bench willing to come in and provide spot minutes. Having two seven-footers also limits defensive versatility as both Zvonimir and Tomislav will have a difficult time when they are switched onto quicker, athletic guards. From rumors, the Illini are closing in on a European prospect at the power forward position.

With Kasparas Jakucionis and Will Riley likely headed toward the 2025 NBA Draft, the Illini will need to prioritize another backcourt piece that can aid with shot creation and playmaking. Boswell took a huge step down the stretch, but he needs some help in the backcourt with playmaking and table-setting.

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

We at Armchair Illini are proudly sponsored by Hamilton Walker’s Steak, Seafood, and Spirits. Located in the heart of downtown Champaign, there is certainly no better restaurant for Illini fans to visit. Order online here or call (217) 350-0363 to make a reservation.

Above all, for feedback, questions, concerns, or to apply for a writing position, please email our Publisher at alexkyi13@gmail.com. Additionally, please use our Seatgeek code for $20 off your purchase on Seatgeek.com: ARMCHAIRILLINOIS. It is because of your support that we have become one of the fastest-growing Illinois media outlets around.

Thank you for reading Armchair Illini! Furthermore, subscribe to our weekly newsletter here.