Incoming Freshman Andrija Jelavić Added to Kentucky’s Official Roster Despite Not Yet Arriving in Lexington
*Lexington, KY – July 12, 2025* — Even before setting foot on campus, **Andrija Jelavić** has officially been added to the University of Kentucky Wildcats’ 2025‑26 men’s basketball roster. The Croatian–born 6‑foot‑11 forward is listed among Kentucky’s scholarship players on the team’s official website—with jersey number 4 assigned—while still pending his arrival in Lexington .
An update earlier today from On3 News highlighted that Jelavić is currently the only scholarship player yet to have a headshot on the site, but his full profile exists complete with statistics and bio. Although he has yet to finalize his move from Europe, the official listing marks a major step forward administratively for the Wildcats ([On3][1]).
Jelavić, who turns 21 in May and boasts a 7‑foot‑2 wingspan, brings a rare combination of international experience, mobility, and shooting to Finger Food Nation. He tallied averages of 10.8 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 1.4 assists for Mega Superbet in Serbia’s ABA League, connecting on 52 three-pointers over 53 games and shooting approximately 62% from two-point range. In playoff action, he surged—posting 13.8 PPG on 70.4% shooting and 44.4% from deep ([ESPN.com][2]).
Kentucky head coach Mark Pope has praised Jelavić as “a really skilled, athletic, mobile, veteran player” whose development in Europe’s Mega system should translate cleanly into Kentucky’s fast‑paced, position‑fluid style of play. Pope also emphasized Jelavić’s emotional connection to the Wildcats in their early Zoom meetings, where his excitement to wear a Kentucky jersey was palpable ([UK Athletics][3]).
Reports indicate that the majority of Kentucky’s 2025‑26 roster—including fellow incoming freshmen **Jasper Johnson** and **Malachi Moreno**, plus key transfers such as **Mouhamed Dioubate**, **Jaland Lowe**, **Kam Williams**, **Jayden Quaintance**, and returning sophomores like **Brandon Garrison**, **Collin Chandler**, and **Trent Noah**—are already on campus and engaged in summer practices. Jelavić’s arrival is expected soon but remains dependent on NCAA clearance and the completion of his team commitments in Serbia ([A Sea Of Blue][4]).
In summer practice footage from Kentucky Athletics, the coaching staff hopes to add Jelavić to the on-court lineup shortly, alongside other emerging pieces like Johnson, who recently returned from Team USA duty after winning gold. Big Blue Nation is eager to see Jelavić live in action at Commonwealth’s practice facility ([A Sea Of Blue][5]).
Analysts view Jelavić as a major wildcard with high upside—especially given his skill set as a stretch four capable of scoring at all three levels, handling the ball in transition, and defending multiple spots despite modest block totals. His presence could push for a starting role alongside or competing with Alabama transfer **Mouhamed Dioubate** in the front court rotation ([SI][6]).
With Kentucky’s roster now reaching 13 confirmed scholarship players, Jelavić joins the growing international footprint of Mark Pope’s program. He will become only the 21st international player in Wildcats history—and the second Croatian, following former Cat Zvonimir Ivisic ([UK Athletics][3]).
As the summer progresses, Jelavić’s official inclusion on the roster sets the stage for his eventual arrival and the impact he’s expected to bring: international polish, size, and three-level scoring. Once cleared, he joins a deep, versatile rotation built for NCAA contention. Kentucky and its fans now await his flight to Lexington and first steps as a Wildcat.