It’s not often a quiet freshman becomes the talk of Kentucky basketball practice. But this week, that’s exactly what happened when Andrija Jelavic — one of the Wildcats’ lesser-known newcomers — stole the show in a way that had fans, teammates, and even coaches buzzing afterward.
The moment came during a high-intensity scrimmage. Kentucky had been going full throttle — running Mark Pope’s motion-heavy offense with precision, pushing the tempo, and fighting for every loose ball. Then Jelavic made the play.
A deflection near midcourt. A full-court sprint. A behind-the-back pass to Denzel Aberdeen, who immediately fed Jayden Quaintance for a thunderous dunk that sent the gym into chaos. Coaches were on their feet. Teammates were shouting. And just like that, Jelavic — the 6’8″ forward who came to Lexington quietly — had made one of the most jaw-dropping sequences of practice so far.
What’s becoming clear is that Jelavic brings something Kentucky has been missing — versatility and IQ at the forward spot. He can shoot, handle, and pass, all while playing with the kind of calm that you don’t usually see from a freshman. His timing and spacing during the scrimmages showed just how quickly he’s absorbing Pope’s system.
“He’s just a connector,” one insider said after practice. “He doesn’t force anything — but when he touches the ball, good things happen.”
While Jelavic was the headliner, several other Wildcats had standout moments that underscored just how deep this roster runs. Denzel Aberdeen continued to look like the team’s steadying force at point guard, controlling pace and finding shooters like Trent Noah, who hit multiple threes from the corner.
Brandon Garrison once again showed off his defensive dominance, cleaning the glass and blocking shots, while Mo Dioubate brought his trademark physicality, diving for loose balls and setting tone-setting screens. Malachi Moreno and Jayden Quaintance made the paint feel like a no-fly zone, with their size and coordination overwhelming anyone trying to attack the rim.
By the end of practice, even the staff couldn’t hide their excitement. The communication was crisp, the spacing perfect, and the chemistry unmistakable.
And at the center of it all?
A freshman forward from Croatia who just might be Kentucky’s secret weapon.
If Andrija Jelavic keeps playing like this, his name won’t stay quiet for long. The SEC — and maybe the rest of college basketball — is about to find out why.
