Croatian C Andrija Jelavic has committed to the Kentucky Wildcats
Andrija is one of the top centers in all of Europe and averaged 10.8 PPG and 7.4 RPG for Mega BG last season. He is the 5th member of Mark Pope’s 2025 Transfer Portal Class
Andrija Jelavic, a 6’11” forward from Croatia, has indeed committed to the Kentucky Wildcats. He’s a highly touted European prospect who played for Mega Basket Belgrade in the Adriatic League. Here are some key details about Jelavic’s commitment and background ¹ ²:
– *Background*: Born on May 26, 2004, Jelavic stands at 6’11” with a 7’2″ wingspan, making him a versatile big man.
– *Stats*: Last season, he averaged 10.8 points on 50.3% shooting, 7.4 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 1 steal, and 0.7 blocks in 27.4 minutes per game for Mega Basket Belgrade.
– *Experience*: Jelavic has several seasons of international basketball experience under his belt, which will be valuable for the Wildcats.
– *Fit*: He’s expected to bring depth and competition to the Kentucky frontcourt, potentially playing multiple roles due to his size, skill, and mobility.
– *Class*: Jelavic is one of the top European prospects joining the NCAA, and his commitment adds to Kentucky’s transformative offseason under Coach Mark Pope.
With this addition, Kentucky now has 12 scholarships accounted for next season. Other notable commits and transfers for the Wildcats include ¹ ² ³:
– *Jayden Quaintance*: Arizona State center who will bring size and experience to the team.
– *Mouhamed Dioubate*: Alabama forward who will add versatility to the frontcourt.
– *Brandon Garrison*: Returning for his junior campaign, Garrison will be a key piece in Kentucky’s frontcourt.
– *Malachi Moreno*: True freshman who will bring energy and potential to the team.
iturn0image0turn0image4turn0image5turn0image7**BREAKING: Croatian Center Andrija Jelavić Commits to Kentucky Wildcats**
In a significant development for the Kentucky Wildcats men’s basketball program, Croatian center Andrija Jelavić has officially committed to play for the Wildcats, marking a pivotal addition to Coach Mark Pope’s 2025 transfer portal class. Jelavić, a 6-foot-11, 220-pound forward, is widely regarded as one of Europe’s premier basketball prospects, bringing a wealth of international experience to Lexington.
**Background and Playing Career**
Jelavić’s basketball journey began in his native Croatia, where he quickly gained recognition for his exceptional skills and potential. His development continued through the ranks of the Croatian national team, where he represented his country in various international competitions. This exposure to high-level basketball provided Jelavić with invaluable experience and a platform to showcase his talents on a global stage.
In the 2023–24 season, Jelavić played for Mega BG in the AdmiralBet ABA League, a premier basketball league in the Balkans. During this season, he averaged 10.8 points and 7.4 rebounds per game, demonstrating his prowess as a versatile and impactful player. His performance was particularly notable in the playoffs, where he averaged 13.8 points per game on an impressive 70.4% shooting from the field and 44.4% from three-point range citeturn0news14. These statistics underscore his efficiency and ability to perform under pressure, qualities that will undoubtedly benefit the Wildcats.
**Impact on Kentucky’s Roster**
Jelavić’s commitment is a significant boost to Kentucky’s frontcourt depth, especially considering the team’s current roster challenges. With Jayden Quaintance recovering from an ACL injury and the limited playing time of Brandon Garrison last season, Jelavić’s addition provides much-needed reinforcement in the center position. His international experience and proven track record make him a valuable asset to Coach Pope’s system.
**Coach Mark Pope’s Transfer Portal Strategy**
Coach Mark Pope has been proactive in utilizing the transfer portal to build a competitive roster for the upcoming season. Jelavić’s commitment marks the fifth addition from the 2025 transfer portal class, following previous signings that have bolstered various positions on the team. This strategic approach reflects Pope’s commitment to assembling a well-rounded and competitive squad capable of competing at the highest levels of college basketball.
**Looking Ahead**
As Kentucky prepares for the 2025–26 season, the addition of Andrija Jelavić brings a new dimension to the team’s frontcourt. His combination of size, skill, and international experience positions him as a key contributor to the Wildcats’ success. Fans and analysts alike will be closely watching his integration into the team and his performance on the court in the upcoming season.
For more updates on Kentucky basketball and the latest developments in the transfer portal, stay tuned to official team communications and reputable sports news outlets.
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## 🏀 Croatian Center Andrija Jelavic Commits to Kentucky Wildcats
In a significant development for college basketball, Croatian center Andrija Jelavic has officially committed to the University of Kentucky Wildcats for the 2025–2026 season. This announcement adds to the Wildcats’ impressive 2025 transfer portal class, marking a pivotal moment for head coach Mark Pope’s program.
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### 🇭🇷 Who Is Andrija Jelavic?
Andrija Jelavic, a 6’11” forward from Zagreb, Croatia, has been a standout player for Mega MIS in the competitive Adriatic League. Over the past two seasons, he has consistently averaged between 10 and 11 points and 7 to 8 rebounds per game. Notably, during the 2023–2024 playoffs, Jelavic showcased his scoring prowess by averaging 13.8 points per game on an impressive 70.4% shooting from the field and 44.4% from three-point range citeturn0news13.
Jelavic’s skill set includes the ability to stretch the floor with his shooting, making him a versatile asset in the frontcourt. His combination of size, agility, and basketball IQ has drawn comparisons to NBA prospects, with some analysts projecting him as a potential second-round pick in the 2025 NBA Draft citeturn0search0.
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### 🏀 Kentucky’s 2025 Transfer Portal Class
Jelavic’s commitment marks the fifth addition to Kentucky’s 2025 transfer portal class. His arrival bolsters the Wildcats’ frontcourt depth, providing a skilled and experienced big man to complement the team’s existing roster. This move aligns with Coach Pope’s strategy to enhance the team’s competitiveness and championship aspirations for the upcoming season.
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### 🌍 The Impact of International Talent
Jelavic’s decision to join Kentucky underscores the growing trend of international players making their mark in NCAA basketball. His experience in the Adriatic League equips him with a high level of competition and international exposure, which will be invaluable as he transitions to the college game. Kentucky’s ability to attract top-tier international talent reflects the program’s global reach and commitment to assembling a diverse and talented roster.
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### 🔮 Looking Ahead
As Jelavic prepares to don the Wildcats’ blue and white, expectations are high for his contributions to the team. His presence in the frontcourt is anticipated to provide Kentucky with a dynamic scoring option and a formidable defensive presence. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how Jelavic adapts to the collegiate level and what impact he will have on the Wildcats’ pursuit of national prominence.