The Kentucky Wildcats are set to add a significant piece to their roster this weekend as Andrija Jelavic, a 6-foot-11 forward from Croatia, officially joins the program. Jelavic arrives after a strong campaign in the Adriatic League, where he averaged 11 points, 7.4 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and 1.0 steals per game, showcasing his versatility on both ends of the court.
Known for his ability to stretch the floor as an athletic big man, Jelavic brings a blend of size, mobility, and shooting touch that could be a perfect fit for Kentucky’s system. His experience playing against seasoned professionals in Europe is expected to help him adapt quickly to the physicality and pace of college basketball.
His signing comes at a critical moment for the Wildcats, as sophomore center Jayden Quaintance continues to recover from an ACL injury. With Quaintance likely sidelined for the early part of the season, Jelavic provides immediate depth and could step into a major role in the opening months.
Head coach Mark Pope praised the addition, noting that Jelavic’s international background offers a unique skill set and a competitive edge. “He’s battle-tested in a tough European league, and his ability to defend multiple positions while also hitting perimeter shots gives us great flexibility,” Pope said.
Jelavic will be joining a Kentucky squad that has already generated preseason buzz, and his arrival only adds to the excitement. Fans will get their first look at the Croatian forward during the BBN United Tipoff Classic in November, where the Wildcats face Nicholls State, Valparaiso, and Eastern Illinois in their season-opening stretch.
If Jelavic’s European form translates to the NCAA stage, Kentucky could have found not just a temporary solution during Quaintance’s absence, but a major contributor for the rest of the season.
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If you want, I can now translate this into Croatian so it reads like a local sports headline from Jelavic’s home country. Would yo
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