This year we thankfully do not have to throw up a billboard to try to get an international recruit eligible to play for Kentucky. This year, the NCAA has just done their job — and on time for once. With very little questions asked.

Croatian recruit, Andrija Jelavić, has officially been ruled eligible for the 2024-25 season.

Perfect timing as Kentucky Basketball’s annual Media Day kicks off this morning to preview the team and the upcoming season. Andrija committed to the Wildcats back in April, joining some of the first few additions to the program of the offseason. The 6-foot-11 power forward played 53 games for Belgrade, Serbia-based Mega Superbet in the Adriatic League over the last two seasons. Per ESPN, he averaged 10.8 points, 7.3 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 1.2 steals in 30 minutes per game. His length and scoring ability will be a phenomenal tool for Kentucky on both sides of the ball, but especially offensively.

He joins Denzel Aberdeen, Jaland Lowe, Kam Williams, Jayden Quaintance, Mo Doiubate, and Reece Potter as the non-freshman additions to the roster. As you know from being a Kentucky fan, there are always so many new faces and so many new names to learn every single season. As we enter Mark Pope’s second season as the head coach of Kentucky, the content team has been producing so much footage to help you get started on that process.

Below is a piece done by UK Sports Network that takes a deep dive into Andrija’s background and personality.

This Saturday Big Blue Madness returns, officially kicking off the basketball season. Fans will pack into Rupp Arena at 6 PM ET after selling out the ticket allotment in under just 29 minutes. Andrija and the rest of the team will be there to start captivating the excitement from the fan base.

Did you enjoy this article? If so, you can stay connected with the growing Cats Coverage site by following them on Facebook or X/Twitter to never miss another post!