Andrija Jelvic had six rebounds against Oklahoma. (Vicky Graff Photo)
Andrija Jelavic came to Kentucky from Croatia hoping to find a way to make a major impact on the UK basketball program.
The 6-foot-7 forward had to wait patiently for a chance to do that but now has settled into a valuable role for coach Mark Pope’s team going into Saturday night’s home game against Tennessee.
He’s worked his way into the starting lineup and has been able to hit needed 3-point shots in Southeastern Conference play. He’s also added a physical presence that Kentucky needs.
“Super proud of him. He got a little down on himself early in the season, being from another country trying to come in and learn language and learn our coaching system,” Kentucky assistant coach Jason Hart said after Wednesday’s win over Oklahoma.
“When he did sit, he had to sit and learn. Sometimes sitting on the bench does that to you, lights a fire up in you. I don’t think he wants to go back to the bench. He’s coming out with a sense of urgency and he kind of knows what coach Pope wants, and he knows what he can do. We need him to continue to play strong, shoot with no fear, and give jaw. And that’s what he’s been doing.”
Jelavic hit a stretch of games where he did not play but he never gave up.
“There were ups and downs in those games, and then we started bad in the SEC, and I don’t know, I was like, let’s try with me (in the starting lineup). I guess I knew that it would come to that, and I had to be ready. I had to be prepared,” Jelavic said.
“I trained really hard, and I knew when the opportunity came that I would be super ready and it came against Mississippi State. I used it and coach Pope put me on the front lines. I started and I guess it’s been really good sometimes.”
Jelavic had nine points on 3-for-5 shooting, six rebounds and three assists in the win over Oklahoma. He was 2-for-3 from 3-point range early in the game.
He said he likes Kentucky “starting hot” like it did at Arkansas and then against Oklahoma instead of falling behind by double digits in the first half like it has often done this season.
“Felt good, I mean I like us starting hot. It’s been the last two games. We started the game well and that’s important,” Jelavic said.
Kentucky has had to toughen up, and assistant coach Mikhail McLean has had UK’s interior players put on boxing gloves and hit punching bags to start practice last week.
“We’re literally punching them. He emphasizes that. It’s really good. We’ve been doing it for the past two games, and it’s brought good results, so we’re going to continue doing it,” Jelavic said.
He admitted after Wednesday’s win that his role is to “make contact” with opponents early to establish that UK will not back down.
“When I can punch a guy, make contact with a guy, and they’re not being seen by the referees, it means a lot to our team. We started doing that in the Arkansas game and it helped. Even when you make contact and make a foul, it gave us energy against Arkansas, and it gave us energy today (against Oklahoma),” Jelavic said.
7 Responses
I'm proud of Jelly. He could have tucked his tail between his legs and pouted when he stopped playing. I don't like how when JW started playing everyone else stopped playing. That Is what messed up our team chemistry. We kept playing different people. The 9 players we have ,now are the 9 players we need.
Thought he was taller than 6-7. Have seen him listed in the 6-9 to
6-10 range.
Jelavic is listed at 6'11" 225. He needs to add about 20 lbs. of muscle to help with his rebounding. For whatever reason, it seems like the team doesn't value what he can do. They never do a pick and roll with him and most of the time they only pass the ball to him when he can't do anything with it. He should receive the ball on the low block and let him work. He is usually guarded by a smaller player and he can school them around the basket. He should put up at least 4 three point shots a game as well…most nights he would make 2 of them.
Agree 100% Jelly could be our x factor. He's a little stiff but I see a lot of potential.
Glad 4 Jelavic. Good solid all around competitor. Can shoot the 3. Has that Euro Pro experience. Guys need to embrace him, make him sense trust n welcome then we'll see an even better version imho. 💪
Jelavic Really is a hidden gem! Really can be that “X” Factor we need in the stretch run! I totally agree that the other guys need to look for him more! If He could get in the gym all of the summer and add about 20 lbs of muscle He could be first team SEC or better! This kid has the potential!
he sure could be Rick
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