European Basketball Star Jelavic Chooses Kentucky: What This Commitment Means for the Wildcats

Andrija Jelavic, a rising star from Europe, is heading to Kentucky for the 2025 class. His agent, Misko Raznatovic, confirmed this news to ESPN.

Standing at 6-foot-11, Jelavic brings valuable international experience to the Wildcats. Over the past two seasons, he played for Mega Superbet in Serbia, competing in the Adriatic League. He averaged 10.8 points, 7.3 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and 1.2 steals per game while shooting 62% on two-point shots.

What sets Jelavic apart is his impressive 7-foot-2 wingspan and agile movement. He has a unique ability to play multiple positions, both offensively and defensively, making him a versatile asset. In his last two seasons, he knocked down 52 three-pointers, showcasing his shooting touch.

Kentucky has been busy with recent transfers, adding players like Jayden Quaintance from Arizona State and Jaland Lowe from Pitt. They also have two promising freshmen, Jasper Johnson and Malachi Moreno. The team is also in the race for Nate Ament, a top high school forward and a projected top-five pick for the 2026 NBA draft.

Jelavic’s commitment is part of a broader trend in college basketball influenced by name, image, and likeness (NIL) deals. These deals are transforming the landscape, allowing international players to secure lucrative contracts. For example, Sananda Fru, a young German player, is heading to Louisville, and David Mirkovic, from Montenegro, will enroll at Illinois. This shift is expected to continue, with more international talent entering the NCAA.

Experts believe these changes will reshape college basketball. According to a recent study by the NCAA, nearly 50% of players are considering NIL opportunities in their recruitment process. This trend is making schools more competitive in attracting top talents from around the globe.

As Jelavic joins Kentucky, he adds to the excitement and evolving dynamics of college basketball, where international talent is becoming increasingly vital.

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