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Congrats for Stanford women’s coach Tara VenDerveer, who passed Mike Krzyzewski as the all-time college basketball wins leader with her 1,203rd career victory on Sunday night. It’ll be interesting to see how long she stays the leader. Geno Auriemma is at 1,196.

Time to dive into a wild weekend of men’s hoops.

1. Let the legend of Big Z begin

Zvonimir Ivisic was already a BMOC. And not just because he’s 7-2.

Kentucky fans had heard tales about what the Croatian big man was capable of ever since he arrived in Lexington in August. Admission delays of more than 70 days only added to that intrigue.

Heck, fans even donated money for a billboard that NCAA admins would see on their way work. Anything to get Big Z (full name is pronounced ZVON-uh-meer EE-VEE-sitch) on the court.

Saturday, the big guy made everything worth it. He hit 3s, he delivered behind-the-back passes. He delighted the crowd — and Twitter — at seemingly every turn. Take 90 seconds and watch this. He even added the Michael Jordan shrug. Kentucky knows it experienced a moment, too. Check what it posted on Sunday.

His final tally: 13 points, on 5-of-7 shooting (including 3-of-4 from deep), 5 boards, 2 assists, 3 blocks, a flagrant 1 and about a million new fans across the Commonwealth. About the only thing he couldn’t do? Work a water bottle.

It’s be one thing if Ivisic was awesome and No. 8 Kentucky had to adjust. But it’s obvious that a small sample size can be ignored. Big Z only raises Kentucky’s already considerable floor. A 105-96 win — a lousy final seven minutes from the Kentucky defense was what made it close — over Georgia showcased everything that makes the Wildcats a Final Four contender.

They shot 62% from the field, scored 1.26 points per possession — they were scoring 1.5 ppp with 10 minutes left before they stepped off the gas — and provides yet another option up front who can stretch a defense. There were times when Ivisic was on the floor with fellow 7-footer Aaron Bradshaw — and they both parked in corners, waiting to shoot 3s. This wasn’t the usual two-big Calipari approach. It delighted the crowd, and wowed onlookers.

“I figured he might play a few minutes just to get a little taste of it and maybe he’d get a basket and everyone could feel good about that,” Tom Leach, the radio voice of Kentucky hoops told The Athletic. “Instead, he comes in and turns into Victor Wembanyama.”

Also fun? Big Z’s a pretty good quote. He’s got it all!

Kentucky’s next game is Tuesday at South Carolina. Expect the legend to only grow between now and then.

2. Ah, those AAC, Big East dramatic finishes

Three of Saturday’s four Big East games were decided by a combined five points. One went to triple OT. The next day, the American’s top two teams, Memphis and FAU, split their games.

It’s always fun when the league’s best teams also deliver the most entertaining games.

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