PF Andrija Jelavic, a top European prospect, commits to Kentucky
Top European prospect Andrija Jelavic commits to Kentucky
Andrija Jelavic, one of the top European prospects in his age group, has committed to Kentucky in the class of 2025, his agent Misko Raznatovic of Beobasket told ESPN.
Jelavic, a 6-foot-11 power forward who possesses significant experience at the international level, turns 21 next month. He played 53 games for Belgrade, Serbia-based Mega Superbet in the competitive Adriatic League the past two seasons, averaging 10.8 points, 7.3 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 1.2 steals in 30 minutes per game, shooting 62% for 2.
Jelavic possesses a 7-foot-2 wingspan, excellent mobility and the versatility and skill to slide all over the floor on both ends, making 52 3s in his 53 games the past two seasons.
Kentucky has been active in the transfer portal the past few weeks, adding Arizona State center Jayden Quaintance, Pitt guard Jaland Lowe, Alabama big man Mouhamed Dioubate, and Tulane forward Kam Williams. They also will enroll two highly regarded freshmen: shooting guard Jasper Johnson and big man Malachi Moreno.
Along with Tennessee and Duke, Kentucky is heavily involved with the top remaining uncommitted high school senior, forward Nate Ament, a projected top-five pick in the 2026 NBA draft.
Jelavic’s commitment continues a significant change that is underway in the college basketball world with the proliferation of name, image and likeness (NIL) deals, which has allowed international players to sign seven-figure deals in some instances, completely altering the European basketball market and NCAA recruiting landscape.
Sananda Fru, a 21-year-old German big man heading to Louisville, and David Mirkovic, a 19-year-old Montenegrin big man enrolling at Illinois, and Dominykas Pleta, a 20-year old German center heading to Iowa State, are some recent examples, with many more expected in the coming months.
​The Kentucky Wildcats men’s basketball team has secured a significant commitment with the addition of Croatian forward Andrija Jelavic for the 2025-2026 season. Standing at 6-foot-11 and weighing 220 pounds, Jelavic is regarded as one of Europe’s top basketball prospects. ​
Jelavic’s performance in the Adriatic League has been noteworthy. Over the past two seasons, he has averaged approximately 10–11 points and 7–8 rebounds per game. In the 2023–24 playoffs, he elevated his game, posting averages of 13.8 points on 70.4% shooting from the field and 44.4% from three-point range. His ability to stretch the floor and contribute efficiently has garnered attention from basketball analysts and fans alike. ​
In addition to his collegiate commitment, Jelavic has declared for the upcoming NBA Draft scheduled for June 27. This move underscores his aspirations and the high regard in which he is held within the basketball community. ​
The news of Jelavic’s commitment has elicited positive reactions from fans and analysts. On Twitter, observers have labeled the acquisition as a “game-changer,” highlighting his versatility and the potential impact on Kentucky’s frontcourt. The consensus is that Jelavic’s skills will complement the Wildcats’ existing lineup, adding depth and international experience.
For Kentucky, Jelavic’s commitment addresses several roster considerations. With players like Jayden Quaintance recovering from an ACL injury and uncertainties surrounding Malachi Moreno’s freshman status, Jelavic’s experience and skill set provide valuable options in the frontcourt. His ability to play both inside and stretch the floor aligns with Kentucky’s strategic goals for the upcoming season. ​
Jelavic’s arrival adds to a growing list of international talents joining Kentucky, following in the footsteps of players like Zvonimir Ivisic, a 7-foot-2 center from Croatia, who committed to the Wildcats in August 2023. Ivisic’s impact was immediately felt, and Jelavic’s addition is expected to further enhance Kentucky’s competitive stature on both national and international fronts
