Top European Prospect Andrija Jelavic Commits to Kentucky Basketball

LEXINGTON, Ky. — Andrija Jelavic, a highly regarded 6-foot-11 power forward from Croatia, has officially committed to the University of Kentucky for the class of 2025. Jelavic’s agent, Misko Raznatovic of Beobasket, confirmed the news to ESPN on Saturday.

Currently 20 years old and turning 21 next month, Jelavic has gained significant experience in the international league, having played for Mega Superbet in Serbia’s Adriatic League over the past two seasons. During those 53 games, he averaged 10.8 points, 7.3 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and 1.2 steals, while boasting an impressive shooting percentage of 62% for two-point attempts.

Standing out with a 7-foot-2 wingspan, Jelavic is known for his mobility and versatility, demonstrated by his ability to shoot 52 successful three-pointers in his last two seasons. His potential as a dynamic player on both ends of the floor is expected to bolster Kentucky’s frontcourt.

The Wildcats have been active in the transfer portal, recently adding several players, including a center and a forward. They also plan to enroll two high-profile freshmen: shooting guard Jasper Johnson and big man Malachi Moreno. Furthermore, Kentucky is actively pursuing top-tier high school talent, including a projected top-five pick in the 2026 NBA draft.

Jelavic’s commitment exemplifies a significant transformation in college basketball, particularly with the rise of name, image, and likeness (NIL) deals that have opened opportunities for international players. These changes have enabled young talent from Europe to secure lucrative contracts, reshaping the NCAA recruiting landscape.

Notable recent examples of international commitments include Sananda Fru, a 21-year-old from Germany, who is set to attend school in the U.S., and David Mirkovic, a 19-year-old from Montenegro. These trends forecast increased interest and involvement of European players in American collegiate sports.

Jonathan Givony, a founder of DraftExpress and an NBA draft expert, remarked on the growing trend, stating that the influx of international players is changing the dynamics of college basketball recruiting.

As Kentucky basketball fans eagerly await the upcoming season, Jelavic’s commitment highlights the program’s strategic focus on investing in promising international talent that can contribute to its success.