CHAMPAIGN — Tomislav Ivisic was at a physical disadvantage when he arrived at Illinois last summer.
The 7-foot-1 Croatian center didn’t get to campus until late July. By that point, he’d missed crucial time in the weight room with Illini men’s basketball strength and conditioning coach Adam Fletcher.
An unfortunate series of events during the 2024-25 season also kept Ivisic from his peak physical form.
First came a bout with the flu, which turned into mononucleosis. It didn’t just cost him three games in late January. It zapped his energy, set his conditioning back to zero. A follow-up ankle injury exacerbated the issue.
Ivisic still averaged 13.0 points, 7.7 rebounds and 2.3 assists in his first season of college basketball. Shot 36 percent from three-point range to lead Illinois. Earned All-Big Ten Third-Team honors. And did so never at his physical best.
That’s changed this offseason.
Ivisic spent the past three months in lockstep with Fletcher.
He’s gained good weight, added strength and didn’t sacrifice any mobility.
It’s an offseason cliché, but …
“Literally the best shape of my life,” Ivisic said. “The focus was only on lifting and getting more muscle mass and just eating right to get my body in better shape because I didn’t have a lot of opportunity last summer. I came a little bit late. This was basically the first summer I’ve had time to work with Fletch. I think we did a great job, but we’ve still got a lot of work to do.
“I’ve been here for three months working every day, and I feel like I’m in the best shape of my life. … I was out of shape last year and started working out late. I needed some time to adapt to the team and college basketball. I feel like that’s behind me now, and I’m ready to play and ready to help the team win.”
Ivisic’s teammates have seen the new and improved version up close this summer.
“He’s more mobile,” Illinois forward Ben Humrichous said. “The ability to move his feet offensively and defensively, it’s super encouraging.”
Having to contend with the flu, a tougher round of mono and then a gnarly ankle injury actually led Ivisic back to Champaign for another season. The Vodice, Croatia, native pondered moving on, taking his shot at the NBA. Some mock drafts had him slotted as a mid-second round pick, but he opted not to declare for the draft.
“Honestly, there was some consideration on that end, but talking with the coaches and the people around me and my family I felt like with the sicknesses and everything that happened last year I could use one more year here,” Ivisic said. “I know I made the right decision and hope to be (in the NBA) next year.”
Ivisic emerged quickly as one of Illinois’ top players last season. Arguably the most important given how much offense the Illini ran through him — both in the high post as a facilitator and in pick-and-roll and pick-and-pop actions.
Ivisic finished his debut season with 11 double-doubles, including one against Xavier in the first round of the NCAA tournament. He was at his best in the final week of the season, averaging 19.5 points on 43/43/80 shooting to go with 8.0 rebounds, 3.0 blocks and 2.0 assists per game during Illinois’ two-game run in Milwaukee in the NCAA tournament.
“I definitely showed I can space the floor and help be the connector on the team,” Ivisic said. “I can find guys when they’re open and cutting. Just be there with energy and talking. Just be a good teammate.”
Part of being a good teammate is being a leader. Ivisic’s return for a second season at Illinois puts him in position to assume more of that leadership mantle. To build off what he tried to do in that vein last season.
“I just feel like I’ve got some experience behind me,” he said. “I try to be here for the guys. If somebody asks for my help, I’ll be there always. It’s a bigger responsibility now. I know how things go here.”