Before Kentucky mounted its second-half comeback against LSU on Wednesday, head coach Mark Pope made a bold move: he handed a first college start to 6-foot-11 Croatian forward Andrija Jelavic.
With sophomore big man and likely NBA lottery pick Jayden Quaintance sidelined due to a knee injury, Jelavic, a first-year player classified as a sophomore by the NCAA, stepped into the spotlight. In 21 minutes of action, he scored 11 points, grabbed five rebounds, and made two 3-pointers, shooting 4 of 7 from the field. His six first-half points were a rare bright spot in Kentucky’s slow start, and he finished the game with a +8 plus-minus rating, second only to freshman Malachi Moreno, who hit the game-winning buzzer-beater.
“I thought he was good,” Pope said. “He made a couple of shots for us, which was important.”
Jelavic hadn’t played in three of the previous six games, but Pope had confidence in his abilities. “He can shoot the ball. He hasn’t had many opportunities this year, but he can really shoot it,” Pope said. “He’s got a unique physicality and high basketball IQ. He can help us in many ways.
Pope also highlighted Jelavic’s presence on the boards, his decision-making, and his communication on the floor. “His ability to protect the ball, make plays, and communicate with teammates is really important,” Pope said.
Jelavic made his impact felt immediately. LSU’s first offensive possession included multiple rebounds and shot attempts near him, and Jelavic scored Kentucky’s first three points of the game. Remarkably, he was the only Wildcat to make a field goal during the first 12 minutes as LSU built a 12-point lead.
Although Jelavic wasn’t on the court for the final stretch of the comeback, Pope inserted him for the last play, helping set up Moreno’s iconic buzzer-beater off a long inbound pass from Collin Chandler. Pope praised Jelavic’s defensive adjustments in the second half, especially during Kentucky’s switching defense.
Jelavic’s future role in the starting lineup will likely depend on Quaintance’s recovery, but Pope believes his best basketball is ahead.
“I was proud of him tonight,” Pope said. “He got thrown into the starting lineup in a complicated first half and just kept coming. He gave a great effort.”
