Mark Pope is quickly proving that he’s not just rebuilding Kentucky basketball — he’s reshaping it. In his second season, Pope has mixed high-profile transfers, talented domestic recruits, and now, a global dimension with the addition of Andrija Jelavić, a 6-foot-10 forward from Croatia who could be one of the most important X-factors on this roster.
This isn’t just another overseas flyer. Jelavić comes to Lexington with professional experience, global recognition, and a style of play that looks tailor-made for Pope’s modern system. If he adjusts quickly, Kentucky fans may be watching the rise of one of the most unique weapons in the SEC.
A Proven International Prospect
Few freshmen arrive at Kentucky with the résumé Jelavić brings. Recently ranked the No. 20 overall international prospect headed to college basketball, he has already earned respect among scouts and evaluators who see him as more than just a developmental project.
Last season, he played for Mega Superbet in Serbia’s ABA Liga — one of Europe’s most competitive developmental leagues, and the same organization that helped produce NBA talents like Nikola Jokić, Ivica Zubac, and Vasilije Micić. Facing grown professionals every night, Jelavić averaged:
10.7 points
7.4 rebounds
1.6 assists
Those numbers don’t just reflect production — they reflect maturity. At 21 years old, he already has three advantages over most incoming college freshmen: professional experience, physical development, and the patience of a player who has been coached at the highest levels overseas.
Why He’s a Perfect Fit for Pope’s System
Mark Pope’s vision for Kentucky is built on ball movement, spacing, and versatility. He doesn’t want traditional, back-to-the-basket big men clogging the lane — he wants skilled forwards who can stretch defenses, move the ball, and adapt to modern basketball principles.
That’s exactly where Jelavić stands out:
Shooting & Spacing: While his 30.5% from three last year leaves room for growth, Jelavić isn’t afraid to let it fly. His mechanics are smooth, and with development under Kentucky’s staff, he could become a reliable floor-spacer — pulling opposing bigs away from the rim and giving Kentucky’s guards more freedom to attack.
High-Post Playmaking: One of Pope’s favorite offensive sets runs through the high post, where big men must read defenses and find cutters. Jelavić’s 1.6 assists per game prove he has vision and patience. He won’t just finish plays — he can start them, too.
Rebounding Edge: Despite his perimeter skills, Jelavić isn’t a finesse-only forward. He averaged over seven rebounds per game against tough European competition, showing his willingness to bang inside and do the dirty work.
In short, he checks multiple boxes: shooter, passer, rebounder — all in a 6’10 frame.
The Adjustment Curve
Of course, success won’t come overnight. Playing in the SEC is a completely different challenge compared to Europe. The game is faster, more athletic, and officiated differently. For international big men, the transition often comes down to how quickly they can handle physical, high-paced play against elite athletes.
But here’s the good news for Kentucky fans: Jelavić isn’t like most first-year players. He’s already played in professional systems and against battle-tested competition. That maturity should allow him to avoid the “freshman wall” and adapt more quickly than an 18-year-old straight out of high school.
Comparisons and Potential
So what kind of role can fans expect? Think of Jelavić as a hybrid forward — a player somewhere between a stretch-four and a skilled big man who can move the ball. If you’re looking for comparisons, he has shades of players like Dario Šarić or a younger Nemanja Bjelica — versatile forwards who can score, rebound, and act as secondary playmakers.
At Kentucky, his role will likely grow throughout the season. Early on, he may come off the bench, spacing the floor and providing an offensive spark. But as he gets more comfortable, don’t be surprised if he carves out a starting role — especially in lineups where Pope wants more shooting and ball movement from the frontcourt.
Big Blue Nation’s Hidden Gem
The beauty of Jelavić’s addition is that he doesn’t need to be the guy right away. With players like Brandon Garrison, Otega Oweh, and Jayden Quaintance on the roster, Kentucky has plenty of star power. Jelavić’s value comes in making everyone else’s job easier — stretching defenses, keeping the ball moving, and being a steady, mature presence.
Still, his ceiling is higher than many realize. If his shooting improves and he adjusts quickly to the SEC’s style, he could be one of the breakout international players in all of college basketball this season.
For Mark Pope, that’s exactly the type of player who can turn a good team into a great one.
