Kentucky basketball has made a major splash in the international recruiting scene by securing the commitment of **Andrija Jelavic**, a towering **7-foot Croatian prospect** [A](https://90minsport.com/andrija-jelavic-commits-to-kentucky-wildcats-a-major-boost-for-the-2025-2026-season/?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJTTEFIRzFBM0FvWFVEV05YUVh5b2kiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoiTmN3MmhBb0ZkR0FGNGRDdlc0dWhlIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvOTBtaW5zcG9ydC5jb21cL2FuZHJpamEtamVsYXZpYy1jb21taXRzLXRvLWtlbnR1Y2t5LXdpbGRjYXRzLWEtbWFqb3ItYm9vc3QtZm9yLXRoZS0yMDI1LTIwMjYtc2Vhc29uXC8ifQ%3D%3D&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1). Jelavic’s arrival in Lexington is expected to be a game-changer for the Wildcats, as his combination of size, skill, and international experience makes him one of the most intriguing additions to the program.
### A Rising Star from Europe
Jelavic has been making waves in European basketball, playing for **Mega MIS in the AdmiralBet ABA League**, one of the top professional leagues in Europe [A](https://90minsport.com/andrija-jelavic-commits-to-kentucky-wildcats-a-major-boost-for-the-2025-2026-season/?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJTTEFIRzFBM0FvWFVEV05YUVh5b2kiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoiTmN3MmhBb0ZkR0FGNGRDdlc0dWhlIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvOTBtaW5zcG9ydC5jb21cL2FuZHJpamEtamVsYXZpYy1jb21taXRzLXRvLWtlbnR1Y2t5LXdpbGRjYXRzLWEtbWFqb3ItYm9vc3QtZm9yLXRoZS0yMDI1LTIwMjYtc2Vhc29uXC8ifQ%3D%3D&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1). His performances over the past two seasons have showcased his ability to contribute on both ends of the court. Last season, he averaged **10–11 points and 7–8 rebounds per game**, proving himself as a reliable scorer and rebounder [A](https://90minsport.com/andrija-jelavic-commits-to-kentucky-wildcats-a-major-boost-for-the-2025-2026-season/?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJTTEFIRzFBM0FvWFVEV05YUVh5b2kiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoiTmN3MmhBb0ZkR0FGNGRDdlc0dWhlIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvOTBtaW5zcG9ydC5jb21cL2FuZHJpamEtamVsYXZpYy1jb21taXRzLXRvLWtlbnR1Y2t5LXdpbGRjYXRzLWEtbWFqb3ItYm9vc3QtZm9yLXRoZS0yMDI1LTIwMjYtc2Vhc29uXC8ifQ%3D%3D&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1). His efficiency in the **2023–2024 ABA League playoffs**, where he posted **13.8 points per game on 70.4% shooting**, further solidified his reputation as a dominant force [A](https://90minsport.com/andrija-jelavic-commits-to-kentucky-wildcats-a-major-boost-for-the-2025-2026-season/?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJTTEFIRzFBM0FvWFVEV05YUVh5b2kiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoiTmN3MmhBb0ZkR0FGNGRDdlc0dWhlIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvOTBtaW5zcG9ydC5jb21cL2FuZHJpamEtamVsYXZpYy1jb21taXRzLXRvLWtlbnR1Y2t5LXdpbGRjYXRzLWEtbWFqb3ItYm9vc3QtZm9yLXRoZS0yMDI1LTIwMjYtc2Vhc29uXC8ifQ%3D%3D&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1).
### Versatility and Skill Set
What makes Jelavic such an exciting prospect is his versatility. Despite his size, he is not just a traditional big man who operates solely in the paint. His **three-point shooting ability**, with a **44.4% success rate from beyond the arc**, makes him a unique asset [A](https://90minsport.com/andrija-jelavic-commits-to-kentucky-wildcats-a-major-boost-for-the-2025-2026-season/?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJTTEFIRzFBM0FvWFVEV05YUVh5b2kiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoiTmN3MmhBb0ZkR0FGNGRDdlc0dWhlIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvOTBtaW5zcG9ydC5jb21cL2FuZHJpamEtamVsYXZpYy1jb21taXRzLXRvLWtlbnR1Y2t5LXdpbGRjYXRzLWEtbWFqb3ItYm9vc3QtZm9yLXRoZS0yMDI1LTIwMjYtc2Vhc29uXC8ifQ%3D%3D&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1). Kentucky head coach **Mark Pope** has emphasized the importance of having players who can stretch the floor, and Jelavic fits that mold perfectly. His ability to play both inside and out will provide Kentucky with a balanced offensive attack, making them harder to defend.
### Impact on Kentucky’s Future
Jelavic’s commitment comes at a crucial time for Kentucky. Under Pope’s leadership, the Wildcats are assembling a roster that blends **international experience with homegrown talent** [A](https://90minsport.com/andrija-jelavic-commits-to-kentucky-wildcats-a-major-boost-for-the-2025-2026-season/?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJTTEFIRzFBM0FvWFVEV05YUVh5b2kiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoiTmN3MmhBb0ZkR0FGNGRDdlc0dWhlIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvOTBtaW5zcG9ydC5jb21cL2FuZHJpamEtamVsYXZpYy1jb21taXRzLXRvLWtlbnR1Y2t5LXdpbGRjYXRzLWEtbWFqb3ItYm9vc3QtZm9yLXRoZS0yMDI1LTIwMjYtc2Vhc29uXC8ifQ%3D%3D&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1). With Jelavic in the mix, Kentucky now possesses a potent combination of skilled players that will help them compete at the highest level in the **SEC and national tournaments** [A](https://90minsport.com/andrija-jelavic-commits-to-kentucky-wildcats-a-major-boost-for-the-2025-2026-season/?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJTTEFIRzFBM0FvWFVEV05YUVh5b2kiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoiTmN3MmhBb0ZkR0FGNGRDdlc0dWhlIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvOTBtaW5zcG9ydC5jb21cL2FuZHJpamEtamVsYXZpYy1jb21taXRzLXRvLWtlbnR1Y2t5LXdpbGRjYXRzLWEtbWFqb3ItYm9vc3QtZm9yLXRoZS0yMDI1LTIwMjYtc2Vhc29uXC8ifQ%3D%3D&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1). His presence will not only bolster Kentucky’s frontcourt depth but also give them a legitimate **rim protector and scoring threat**.
### The Road Ahead
As Jelavic transitions to college basketball, there will be adjustments to the **pace and physicality** of the NCAA. However, his experience in European leagues has prepared him well for the challenge. Kentucky fans are eager to see how he adapts and whether he can become a key contributor in the Wildcats’ pursuit of a championship.
With Jelavic’s arrival, Kentucky has secured a **highly-touted international recruit** who could be the missing piece in their quest for dominance in the 2025-26 season [A](https://90minsport.com/andrija-jelavic-commits-to-kentucky-wildcats-a-major-boost-for-the-2025-2026-season/?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJTTEFIRzFBM0FvWFVEV05YUVh5b2kiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoiTmN3MmhBb0ZkR0FGNGRDdlc0dWhlIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvOTBtaW5zcG9ydC5jb21cL2FuZHJpamEtamVsYXZpYy1jb21taXRzLXRvLWtlbnR1Y2t5LXdpbGRjYXRzLWEtbWFqb3ItYm9vc3QtZm9yLXRoZS0yMDI1LTIwMjYtc2Vhc29uXC8ifQ%3D%3D&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1). His combination of **size, skill, and shooting ability** makes him a player to watch, and Wildcats fans will be eagerly anticipating his debut in Lexington.
What do you think—will Jelavic be the secret weapon Kentucky needs to make a deep tournament run? 🏀🔥
