No NCAA Drama This Time: Andrija Jelavic Cleared to Play — and Kentucky Fans Can Finally Breathe Easy

No NCAA Drama This Time: Andrija Jelavic Cleared to Play — and Kentucky Fans Can Finally Breathe Easy 😤💙

After years of frustrating eligibility sagas that kept Big Blue Nation waiting from Enes Kanter in 2010 to Zvonimir Ivisic in 2023 Kentucky fans finally got the kind of NCAA news they’ve been dreaming of:
Andrija Jelavic is officially cleared to play.

No delays. No drama. No paperwork purgatory.

The 6-foot-11 forward from Croatia is ready to suit up for the Wildcats this season, bringing both relief and excitement to a fanbase eager to see how Mark Pope’s new-look roster takes shape. A UK spokesperson confirmed Monday morning that Jelavic has been “cleared for competition” and will be eligible for the entire 2025–26 season a move that bolsters Kentucky’s already stacked frontcourt heading into one of the most anticipated seasons in recent memory.

The International Wildcat with a Modern Game

Jelavic isn’t your traditional European big. He’s a stretch-forward with modern flair  capable of spacing the floor, handling the ball, and hitting the occasional deep shot.
Standing at 6-foot-11 and weighing 225 pounds, he’s been described as “a forward who plays like a guard”  exactly the kind of weapon that fits Mark Pope’s versatile offensive system.

Last season with Mega Superbet, a top-tier Serbian team in the Adriatic League, Jelavic averaged 11 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 0.7 blocks per game, shooting over 32% from three. Those numbers might not scream “superstar,” but they tell the story of a player who’s learned to thrive in a professional system before ever stepping onto a college floor.

Now, in Lexington, he joins a frontcourt that features a perfect balance of power and potential:

• Jayden Quaintance, the projected NBA lottery pick and centerpiece of Pope’s frontcourt plans.
• Brandon Garrison, the returning veteran and emotional anchor down low.
• Malachi Moreno, the homegrown seven-footer with a soft touch and strong motor.
• Mouhamed Dioubate, the Alabama transfer expected to start at the 4 spot.

Add Jelavic to that mix, and Kentucky suddenly has one of the deepest and most skilled big-man rotations in the country.

The NCAA Saga That Didn’t Happen

Kentucky fans know this story all too well  the endless waiting, the paperwork, the social media storms.
Two years ago, Zvonimir Ivisic’s eligibility became a national storyline as fans waited months for a decision. Before that, Enes Kanter was ruled ineligible altogether after playing professionally overseas.

So when word broke that Jelavic had played two seasons of professional basketball in Europe, there was understandable hesitation. Would this be another long wait? Another January debut?

Not this time.
This time, everything moved swiftly. The NCAA reviewed his case, examined his coursework and amateur status, and cleared him  all before Big Blue Madness even arrived.

Jelavic will officially be listed as a sophomore, both academically and athletically, due to the college credits he earned overseas. That gives him three full seasons of eligibility  plenty of time to make his mark in Lexington.

Pope’s Perfect Fit

Mark Pope has made it clear: this isn’t about collecting names  it’s about building a roster that fits.
And Jelavic fits like a glove.

Pope’s offense thrives on spacing, cutting, and big men who can shoot or make reads off the perimeter. With his length and skill set, Jelavic can operate as both a backup stretch four or even a small-ball five, depending on the matchup.

At Pro Day next week, NBA scouts will get their first live look at him in a Kentucky uniform. Expect plenty of eyes to be drawn to No. 11 the Croatian forward who might just end up being one of the steals of the transfer and international market.

Big Blue Belief Restored

After a turbulent few years of uncertainty and inconsistency, Kentucky basketball feels… steady again.
Mark Pope’s second season in charge is already shaping up to be one defined by depth, versatility, and chemistry  words that fans didn’t often use during the late Calipari years.

And now, with Jelavic cleared and ready to roll, there’s one less thing to worry about in Lexington.
No late-breaking NCAA ruling. No eligibility gray area. Just basketball  and a 6’11” Croatian ready to make Rupp roar.

As Big Blue Madness approaches, the message from BBN is clear:
Welcome to Kentucky, Andrija Jelavic. Let’s make this season one to remember. 💙🏀