Big man for U.K. Basketball is eligible for this season

LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) — Big news for Big Blue Nation — Kentucky forward Andrija Jelavic has officially been cleared to play.

UK confirmed Monday the 6-foot-11 forward from Croatia has been declared eligible for immediate competition by the NCAA. Jelavic joined the Wildcats in August after playing two seasons for Mega Superbet in Serbia, where he averaged 11 points and 7 rebounds last year.

Now fully cleared, Jelavic can participate in all team activities, including Pro Day, Big Blue Madness, the Blue-White Game, and upcoming exhibition matchups against Purdue and Georgetown.

Jelavic’s recruitment was described as straightforward — once Kentucky showed interest, he committed immediately, avoiding the typical transfer or eligibility complications that have surrounded other players in recent years. Jelavic has three seasons of eligibility remaining.

The addition gives head coach Mark Pope another versatile frontcourt option as Kentucky prepares for the upcoming season.