Andrija Jelavic enters transfer portal but could return to Kentucky Basketball

Kentucky Basketball forward Andrija Jelavic is headed to the transfer portal, according to KSR’s Jack Pilgrim. Jelavic is leaving the door open for a potential return to Kentucky.

The former 4-star recruit hails from Croatia, where he played professionally before making his way to Lexington. He came onto the scene last spring and committed to Pope last April. The hope was that he could provide the Cats with some much-needed shooting at the four spot. That didn’t happen.

2025 was Jelly’s first season in college, but he was ruled to be a sophomore in his first season due to his extensive play overseas. The 6-11 power forward averaged 5.5 points and 4 rebounds per game on just 48% shooting overall, 28% from deep, and 53% from the charity stripe.

The stats weren’t good, but he did provide some good moments. He was never afraid of contact, as he was always seemingly banging shoulders down low and fighting for rebounds. Unfortunately, he was brought in to stretch the floor, and his shooting was wildly inconsistent.

It’s possible that Jelavic takes a leap in Year 2, but for now, expect that to happen elsewhere, as most players who go portaling end up leaving town.

Best of luck to Jelavic as he weighs his future!