According to ESPN’s Jonathan Giovny, Kentucky has secured a commitment from Croatian center Andrija Jelavic. Giovny notes that Jelavic, who plays for Mega MIS, is among the most highly regarded European prospects heading into college basketball next season.
In the AdmiralBet ABA League, Jelavic posted averages of 10.8 points on 50.3% shooting (including 32.3% on 2.8 three-point attempts per game), along with 7.4 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 1.0 steals, and 0.7 blocks in 27.4 minutes per game this past season.
In the 2023-24 season, Jelavic averaged 10.3 points on 47.1% shooting (including 28.7% on 3.6 three-point attempts per game), alongside 7.6 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 1.4 steals, and 0.9 blocks in 31.7 minutes per game.
His strongest performance came during the playoffs of the same season, where he averaged 13.8 points on 70.4% shooting (44.4% on 2.3 three-point attempts per game), along with 5.0 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and 0.9 blocks in 32.5 minutes per game over four games.
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At 6-foot-11 and 220 pounds, Jelavic is about to turn 21 next month and brings considerable international experience, making him a significant addition to Kentucky’s frontcourt.
NEWS: Croatian big man Andrija Jelavic has committed to Kentucky, his agent Misko Raznatovic told ESPN. The Mega MIS product, who turns 21 next month, is one of the most highly regarded European prospects taking the NCAA route. pic.twitter.com/FaYLZoZTm6
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) April 12, 2025
This addition is crucial for depth, particularly as Jayden Quaintance is recovering from ACL surgery, while Malachi Moreno is entering as a true freshman, and Brandon Garrison averaged only 17.3 minutes per game last season. Mo Dioubate is expected to start at the power forward position, but Jelavic will provide competition for that role.
Kentucky has now filled 12 scholarships for the upcoming season.
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