When Andrija Jelavic finally touched down in Lexington, he wasted no time making himself feel at home. From telling Big Blue Nation he was “excited to get number nine” to riding ziplines, roasting s’mores, and hanging out at the lake with his new teammates, the Croatian forward dove head-first into life as a Wildcat.
And now that practice is underway? You’d never guess he missed the first eight weeks of summer workouts.
Kentucky associate head coach Alvin Brooks III said on the Sources Say Podcast that Jelavic has blended in seamlessly.
> “You cannot tell that he hasn’t been here. He’s fit in already. It feels like he was here the previous eight weeks.”
That’s no small compliment, considering how steep the transition usually is for international players — learning not just college basketball but the pace of American campus life. Jelavic, though, has handled it like a pro.
Talent That Pops Immediately
Of course, Kentucky didn’t recruit him just for his easygoing personality. The staff is already impressed with what he’s shown on the floor in his first week of fall workouts.
“He’s very talented,” Brooks added. “For his size, he can do some things that a lot of people his size can’t do. Now it’s about doing it consistently, week after week. But he has a lot of talent to work with.”
Pope’s Confidence Never Wavered
Head coach Mark Pope has been bullish on Jelavic’s potential from the jump. Even before the forward arrived in mid-August, Pope believed his experience playing overseas against grown men would allow him to make an immediate impact.
“I expect him to come and have a great impact,” Pope said. “He’s been dreaming about this opportunity for a long time. I think he’s a really good young man, and I expect him to deliver right away.”
Ready to Prove Himself
Since landing stateside on August 16, Jelavic has been spotted courtside with Pope at the Cincinnati Open, shown off his new locker at the Joe Craft Center, and introduced himself to Big Blue Nation on camera:
> “Hello, BBN. I’m Andrija Jelavić. I’m excited to get to work, to meet you all, and I’m excited to get number nine.”
Now, after a smooth first week in Lexington, the real test begins — stacking practices, gaining chemistry, and proving that his size and versatility can shine on the biggest stage in college basketball.
Big Blue Nation wanted to know if he’d be behind after a delayed arrival. The answer so far? Not even close.
