Croatian Freshman Andrija Jelavic Still Abroad as Wildcats Prepare for 2025–26 Season Without One Key Piece on Campus
As the Kentucky Wildcats ramp up preparations for the highly anticipated 2025–26 college basketball season under head coach Mark Pope, nearly the entire roster has already settled into campus life in Lexington. Summer workouts are in full swing, chemistry is being built, and expectations are soaring. Yet there remains one notable absence from the practice court: freshman forward Andrija Jelavic. The 6-foot-10 Croatian sensation is the only member of the Wildcats’ roster who has yet to arrive on campus.
Jelavic, one of the more intriguing international prospects in the 2025 recruiting class, has been delayed due to what sources close to the program describe as “routine logistical and visa-related matters.” Although the delay has no bearing on his commitment to Kentucky or his eligibility, his absence has created a unique dynamic for the team, which is otherwise moving forward with a full roster and renewed momentum.
The 18-year-old Jelavic committed to Kentucky during the early spring signing period, becoming the first European player signed under Pope’s leadership. Known for his versatility, perimeter shooting, and high basketball IQ, Jelavic was widely considered a steal for the Wildcats. International scouting services compared him to former European bigs like Dario Šarić and Nikola Mirotić, praising his ability to stretch the floor while also contributing in the paint.
“Andrija’s a modern forward,” Pope said after Jelavic signed. “He’s got the size, the touch, and the vision to impact the game in multiple ways. We’re excited about what he brings, both short- and long-term.”
Jelavic’s game tape revealed a player who thrives in pick-and-pop situations, can hit the three consistently, and isn’t afraid to battle on the boards. While not the flashiest athlete, his understanding of spacing, footwork, and timing makes him an asset in half-court sets. He’s also played against professional-level competition in Europe, giving him a maturity many incoming freshmen lack.
However, the delay in his arrival comes at a time when team chemistry is being established and roles are beginning to take shape. The Kentucky coaching staff has worked diligently to integrate a blend of top high school talent and veteran transfers into a cohesive unit. Jelavic’s absence means he’ll miss out on these crucial early months of acclimation, both on and off the court.
“Summer workouts are about more than just conditioning,” said one Kentucky staffer. “They’re about communication, learning the system, getting a feel for your teammates. So obviously, when a guy like Andrija isn’t here yet, that’s a challenge.”
Still, the coaching staff remains optimistic that the Croatian forward will arrive well before preseason camp officially begins in the fall. Jelavic has reportedly been staying active in his home country, training with a personal development coach, and participating in scrimmages with a pro-level squad to keep his skills sharp.
“He’s not just sitting at home,” another source added. “He’s been getting high-level reps overseas, and he’s in constant communication with our strength and conditioning staff.”
That commitment has not gone unnoticed by Pope and his assistants, who’ve continued to monitor Jelavic’s progress closely. While the absence is less than ideal, the staff sees it as a short-term inconvenience rather than a long-term concern. In fact, they’ve been careful not to place undue pressure on him as he navigates the bureaucratic maze of international player enrollment.
It’s worth noting that Jelavic isn’t the first international player to experience a delay in arriving at a U.S. campus. Visa processing times can vary significantly, especially with the added scrutiny that accompanies athletes arriving on student visas. In most cases, the delays resolve themselves by late summer, which aligns with Kentucky’s expectations.
Despite being the only scholarship player not in Lexington, Jelavic remains very much part of the team. Through daily Zoom check-ins, playbook study sessions, and remote video calls with teammates, he’s stayed connected. Team veterans have also reached out to welcome him into the fold, ensuring he feels like a Wildcat even from across the Atlantic.
“Andrija’s energy is great,” said one returning player. “We’ve seen his film, we’ve talked to him a lot, and we’re all excited for him to get here. He’s going to help us.”
How Jelavic fits into the rotation once he arrives is still an open question. Kentucky’s frontcourt is deep, featuring a combination of rim protectors, glass cleaners, and stretch bigs. But what sets Jelavic apart is his offensive flexibility. With the SEC increasingly trending toward pace-and-space systems, a player like Jelavic could be key in Pope’s high-motion offense.
In particular, Pope has emphasized ball movement and shooting in his offensive philosophy, and Jelavic’s profile fits that mold perfectly. He shot over 40 percent from three-point range in international competition, with smooth mechanics and a quick release. His ability to draw defenders out of the paint opens up driving lanes — something that could benefit Kentucky’s athletic guards.
Moreover, his experience playing against older, stronger competition overseas might make his transition to the college game quicker than expected. While American freshmen often struggle with the physicality of college basketball, European players tend to be more seasoned when it comes to body positioning, decision-making, and adapting to different styles of play.
Of course, it’s still unknown how quickly Jelavic will catch up once he arrives. Being absent from strength and conditioning, scrimmages, and player-led workouts could put him slightly behind the learning curve. The Wildcats will be counting on their strong development program to get him up to speed quickly.
For now, Jelavic’s focus remains on finalizing his paperwork and making the trip stateside as soon as possible. Once he’s on campus, he’ll begin the process of adjusting to American life, the demands of the SEC, and the expectations that come with wearing the Kentucky jersey.
In the grand scheme of things, his delay may be little more than a footnote. But in a season where every edge matters, and where Kentucky is aiming to return to national relevance after several rocky years, every player counts — and so does every day of preparation.
Jelavic has expressed nothing but enthusiasm about becoming a Wildcat. In a recent interview with a Croatian sports outlet, he spoke highly of Kentucky’s tradition and his desire to contribute immediately.
“Kentucky is a dream school,” he said. “The fans, the history, the competition — it’s everything I wanted. I know I can help, and I can’t wait to join the team.”
As Kentucky builds toward what could be one of its most balanced and versatile rosters in recent years, all eyes will remain on Jelavic’s arrival. His size, skill set, and international experience provide a unique ingredient that few other programs can match.
And while the Wildcats are moving forward without him — for now — there’s little doubt that once Jelavic steps foot on campus, he’ll be embraced quickly and expected to contribute right away. Kentucky fans may have to wait a little longer to see the Croatian forward in action, but his arrival could be just what this retooled roster needs to take the next step.
For now, the wait continues — but the belief remains strong that Andrija Jelavic will soon be a key piece of Kentucky’s ambitious 2025–26 puzzle.
