WATCH: Andrija Jelavic Bids Emotional Farewell to KK Mega Superbet Ahead of Kentucky Basketball Debut
The journey of a dream is often paved with goodbyes and for Andrija Jelavic, that journey is officially underway.
The 6’11 Croatian forward and newest Kentucky Wildcat said farewell to his professional team, KK Mega Superbet, this week, marking the end of one chapter and the exciting beginning of another. Jelavic, who spent the past few years developing his game in Serbia, was honored alongside four teammates who are also heading to the United States to chase their college basketball dreams.
The Mega Superbet organization held a heartfelt send-off ceremony for Jelavic and his fellow departing players Filip Jovic (Auburn), Timotej Malovec (Miami), Mihailo Petrovic (Illinois), and Sergej Macura (Mississippi State) recognizing each one with a poster and group tribute. But it was Jelavic, bound for one of the most storied programs in college hoops, who stood out as the centerpiece of this emotional moment.
Leaving a Legacy in Serbia
At just 21 years old, Jelavic has already logged serious minutes in professional basketball. This past season, he averaged 10.7 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game while shooting nearly 49% from the field. Known for his versatility, he knocked down 25 threes over 29 games, showcasing a developing stretch-big potential that caught the eye of Kentucky head coach Mark Pope.
Though Mega Superbet’s season came to an end on May 21 in a tough 77-73 loss to FMP Soccerbet, Jelavic’s next season is just about to begin and this time, it’s in blue and white.
Kentucky Bound: A Dream Realized
As the Wildcats begin move-in week on campus, Jelavic’s departure from Serbia marks a symbolic transition into one of the biggest roles of his career. Although he’s still waiting for official NCAA clearance, Pope and the UK staff are optimistic.
“He’s been incredibly cooperative,” Pope said in an offseason press conference. “The people at Mega and the people at his university have been incredibly cooperative. The NCAA is working hard and pushing it through as quickly as we can.”
Jelavic committed to Kentucky in mid-April, and since then, Pope’s admiration for him has only grown. Speaking on KSR, Pope recounted a poignant moment from a FaceTime call with Jelavic.
“You could see him get emotional as he started talking about the possibility of playing at the University of Kentucky,” Pope shared. “And I’m like, that’s it. This is our guy, right? Because he’s not going to miss it.”
That passion and emotion could make all the difference for a Kentucky team looking to return to national dominance in 2025–26.
Eyes on No. 9
Jelavic will soon join a Wildcats squad full of new talent and familiar faces, all with their eyes set on banner No. 9. While his final goodbyes in Serbia may have been bittersweet, his arrival in Lexington signals a fresh opportunity for him, for Mark Pope, and for Big Blue Nation.
With the roster taking shape and summer workouts ramping up, Jelavic’s journey from Serbia to the SEC is one to watch. As he boards his flight bound for Kentucky, one thing is clear: his dream is no longer just a possibility it’s about to become reality.
So now the countdown begins. Will Andrija Jelavic be the European X-factor Kentucky’s been waiting for? Only time will tell but the emotion, the skill, and the drive are already in place.
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