One lineup decision could define the Wildcats’ path to a championship in 2025.
Mark Pope didn’t just return to Lexington last season—he brought a surge of excitement Big Blue Nation hadn’t felt in years. After leaving BYU to take over for John Calipari, Pope delivered a strong debut campaign: 24-12 overall, a run to the Sweet 16, and a sense that Kentucky basketball was back on the rise.
But make no mistake—year two is different. Expectations aren’t just high; they’re sky-high. Fans want more than a Sweet 16. They want a deep March run, and they believe Pope can deliver. However, before the Wildcats can chase a banner, their head coach has one massive question to answer:
Who should start at power forward—Andrija Jelavić or Mo Dioubate?
Why This Decision Matters So Much
At first glance, it’s just one position. But in modern basketball, the power forward isn’t just a spot on the floor—it’s the engine that sets the tone for both ends. And for Kentucky, it’s a battle between two stars with completely different strengths:
Andrija Jelavić – The Croatian forward is an offensive weapon, a matchup nightmare who can shoot the three and handle the ball like a guard. At 6’10”, he stretches defenses and creates spacing that Pope loves for his pace-and-space offense.
Mo Dioubate – The rugged defender and rebounding machine who thrives in the trenches. He’s the guy who will lock down big men, fight for boards, and do the dirty work. While defense is his calling card, he can still score when needed—especially on put-backs and in transition.
So what does Pope value more? Offensive versatility and shooting (Jelavić) or physical dominance and defense (Dioubate)? That decision could shape the Wildcats’ identity for the entire season.
Breaking Down the Case for Jelavić
Jelavić fits everything Pope wants offensively. He can:
Stretch the floor – forcing defenses to guard him beyond the arc.
Create mismatches – slower bigs can’t keep up, smaller defenders can’t block his shot.
Move the ball – his passing ability adds another playmaking option.
And let’s be real—Kentucky fans LOVE shooters. Jelavić could turn into a fan favorite quickly if he starts raining threes in Rupp Arena.
But there’s more. Modern basketball is about spacing, and Pope’s system thrives when the floor is wide open. Jelavić gives you that modern big man feel.
The Case for Dioubate
If Jelavić is the finesse option, Dioubate is the enforcer. He’s physical, relentless, and the type of player every championship team needs. He gives Kentucky:
Elite rebounding and rim protection – protecting the paint against SEC bruisers.
Toughness and grit – something Kentucky lacked at times last season.
Defensive versatility – he can guard big men and switch on smaller players.
For Pope, this could be the safer option against physical SEC teams. You don’t win championships without defense—and Dioubate provides plenty of it.
What Analysts Are Saying
Andrew Stefaniak of Kentucky Wildcats on SI suggests Jelavić might get the edge because of his offensive upside:
“While Jelavić is better on the offensive end than he is on the defensive end, he is no slouch on defense. He’s a sharpshooter from three, and at his size, with his ability to handle the ball, Coach Pope might want him to start,” Stefaniak wrote.
That’s huge. If Pope believes offense is the key to unlocking this team’s ceiling, expect Jelavić to get the nod on opening night.
Why This Is a Good Problem for Kentucky
Let’s be honest—this is a great dilemma to have. Two talented forwards fighting for one spot means depth, and depth wins championships. Whoever doesn’t start will still play big minutes. But the starter sets the tone.
Fans are already debating it on message boards, podcasts, and Twitter:
Do you go with the offensive unicorn in Jelavić?
Or the defensive anchor in Dioubate?
Either way, Mark Pope holds the key to Kentucky’s identity this season. And that’s why this decision is so massive.
Who should start at power forward? Comment below: Jelavić or Dioubate?
