Despite having one of the most diverse teams in college basketball, Andrija Jelavic, a Croatian power player, is undoubtedly Kentucky’s wildcard.
His ability to shoot, dribble, and pass while still scoring down low with excellent touch makes him the epitome of what people envision when they think of a European forward.
It will be a fierce struggle as Jelavic and Mouhamed Dioubate, a transfer from Alabama, vie for the starting power forward position. Jelavic has exceptional potential that will make it difficult to keep him off the floor, but Dioubate has SEC experience.
“Andrija is a really skilled, athletic, mobile, veteran player who has been playing at a high level for the last two years,” said coach Mark Pope of Kentucky when Jelavic signed. Mega, one of the top growth facilities for elite players in Europe, has provided him with mentorship through its development program. Andrija will fit right in with our system because of his extremely special combination of size, athleticism, and skill.
The Wildcats will advance to the next stage if Jelavic can reach his full potential at Kentucky this season. It is difficult to predict how Jelavic will adapt to playing basketball in the SEC given that he is the wildcard.
Pope might have the best squad in the country if Jelavic’s potential materializes, even though Kentucky is a top 10 college basketball club. Jelavic’s skill set will allow him manage Pope’s offense flawlessly and make him difficult to defend.
