It didn’t take weeks of visits, a recruiting battle, or even a list of finalists. All it took was one phone call.
When Mark Pope dialed up Croatian forward Andrija Jelavic, the 6-foot-11 standout didn’t hesitate. He committed on the spot — no drama, no back-and-forth, no competition.
“I instantly said, ‘Yes, I want to be here,’” Jelavic told BBN Tonight. “We didn’t even talk about the details. I instantly committed.”
From Rumor to Reality
Jelavic, who spent last season with Mega Superbet in the Adriatic League, already had Kentucky on his radar before Pope reached out. After a breakout performance overseas, whispers spread that the Wildcats were interested.
The moment his agent confirmed the rumor, the choice was already made.
“Since that moment, we knew we wanted Kentucky,” Jelavic said.
When Pope finally called, the decision took seconds. Even Pope was surprised at how quickly things wrapped up, telling Jelavic to make it official with his agent, Misko Raznatovic, if he was serious. Jelavic didn’t blink.
“He said, ‘Tell your agent that you want to commit.’ I told him and I instantly committed — I didn’t even talk to other college coaches,” Jelavic said.
Why Kentucky?
For Jelavic, the decision came down to brand, legacy, and opportunity.
“Everyone knows about Kentucky — the name, the legacy, everything,” he said. “It was a dream come true. The moment I heard that name, I wanted to be part of this organization, and just talking to Mark Pope confirmed it.”
From Zagreb to Lexington, the Kentucky brand carried weight — and when the chance came, there was no hesitation.
Day-One Contributor
Though labeled a freshman, Jelavic arrives in Lexington as a seasoned player. At 21 years old, with multiple years of professional experience, he brings a level of maturity uncommon for newcomers.
With Mega Superbet, he averaged 11.0 points, 7.4 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and 1.0 steals per contest last season, facing grown men night after night.
That background has Pope confident in his ability to step right in.
“I expect him to come and have a great impact,” Pope said. “He’s a vet. He’s been playing against grown men, so he should bring a lot. I think he’s a really good young man who’s been dreaming about this opportunity for a long time.”
The Easiest Commitment of Pope’s Tenure
For Pope, it might have been the simplest recruitment he’ll ever handle. For Jelavic, it was the fulfillment of a dream.
“It was one of the easiest decisions of my life,” Jelavic said.
Now, Kentucky adds one of Europe’s most intriguing prospects — a player who didn’t need convincing, because he already knew where he belonged.
