The countdown starts now: As the regular season draws to a close, Kentucky commit Andrija Jelavic excels. Is he prepared to take the next step?

As the final buzzer of the high school regular season inches closer, few names in the 2025 class resonate louder than Andrija Jelavic. The 6’10” Serbian-American forward has been nothing short of dominant for Prolific Prep (CA), consistently showcasing a blend of European finesse and American explosiveness that has vaulted him into the national spotlight. With every rebound, every no-look dime, and every clutch basket, Jelavic is building momentum—not just for a potential national title run but for a transition to one of college basketball’s most storied programs: the University of Kentucky.

The countdown to Lexington has begun. But is Jelavic truly ready to conquer the next level?

Born in Belgrade, Serbia, and raised between Europe and the United States, Jelavic has benefited from a unique basketball upbringing. His early years were steeped in the fundamentals-first philosophy of Serbian basketball—emphasis on spacing, passing, and feel. That foundation was then sharpened by the competitive edge of the American prep circuit, particularly after he enrolled at Prolific Prep as a sophomore.

His international roots have clearly shaped his game. Jelavic operates with a cerebral calmness, whether he’s facilitating from the elbow or slipping into a pick-and-pop. His ability to read defenses and make the right pass—often the extra pass—has drawn comparisons to Nikola Jokić, though scouts are quick to note that Jelavic is more of a modern forward than a true center.

“He sees the floor two moves ahead,” said one Western Conference NBA scout. “He’s not just talented—he’s intentional. That’s rare in a high schooler.”

Statistically, Jelavic has been putting up video-game numbers this season. Averaging 22.4 points, 10.1 rebounds, 4.8 assists, and 1.9 blocks per game, he’s been the catalyst behind Prolific Prep’s national top-5 ranking. But his dominance isn’t just about the stat sheet—it’s how he’s taken over games late.

In a late-season showdown against Montverde Academy, Jelavic went toe-to-toe with multiple five-star prospects and didn’t blink. He finished with 27 points, 12 rebounds, and 6 assists, including a game-sealing three-pointer that showed off his expanding range. His ability to stretch the floor has taken a leap this year, as he’s shooting nearly 38% from beyond the arc on over four attempts per game.

His coach, Ryan Bernardi, says the difference between this year’s Jelavic and last year’s version is confidence.

“He’s realized that he can dominate every facet of the game,” Bernardi said. “He’s not forcing shots—he’s orchestrating. That’s what makes him so dangerous. He can score 30, or he can set up his teammates for 30. Either way, he controls the game.”

For Big Blue Nation, Jelavic might be the most intriguing international recruit since Enes Kanter. But unlike Kanter, who was declared ineligible by the NCAA in 2010, Jelavic is expected to be a day-one contributor under new head coach Mark Pope.

Pope’s offensive philosophy—a fluid, spacing-heavy system that values ball movement and positional versatility—aligns perfectly with Jelavic’s strengths. In many ways, Jelavic could be the centerpiece of a new era in Lexington, one where skill, size, and IQ take precedence over sheer athleticism.

“Kentucky is getting a 6’10” playmaker who can shoot, defend multiple positions, and lead a team,” said ESPN recruiting analyst Paul Biancardi. “He’s not a project—he’s polished. He’s ready.”

Jelavic, for his part, has embraced the pressure that comes with donning Kentucky blue.

“When I committed, I knew what I was stepping into,” Jelavic said after a recent game. “Kentucky expects championships. That’s why I’m here. I want to be the reason that happens again.”

Part of what makes Jelavic so advanced is his mental preparation. Known among his teammates as “The Professor,” Jelavic watches hours of game tape—not just of his own performances, but of the all-time greats. He studies how Jokić manipulates defenses, how Luka Dončić sets up defenders, how Tim Duncan used footwork to gain space.

“I’ve always believed basketball is a thinking man’s game,” Jelavic said. “If you can out-think your opponent, you don’t need to jump higher—you just need to be smarter.”

That attitude has already earned him leadership stripes at Prolific Prep. While many elite recruits chase highlight dunks and stat-padding opportunities, Jelavic is often seen directing traffic, calling out rotations, and correcting teammates mid-play.

“He’s a coach on the floor,” Bernardi said. “We trust him to make decisions in crunch time because he’s already made them mentally before the play starts.”

While most scouting reports glow, there are a few question marks surrounding Jelavic’s transition to the college level. The primary concern is his lateral quickness—can he defend speedy wings in the SEC? And will his strength hold up in a more physical conference?

He’s made strides in those areas. Jelavic has noticeably added 12 pounds of muscle over the past year, thanks to a revamped strength training program. His defensive footwork has improved as well, though he’s still more effective guarding the 4 than the 3.

“He’s not a lockdown defender yet,” one scout admitted. “But he’s smart, and that matters. He doesn’t gamble. He understands positioning. In the right system, he’ll be fine.”

There’s a growing belief that Jelavic could be a one-and-done player, with some early 2026 NBA mock drafts placing him in the late lottery. But Jelavic has made no public statements about his draft intentions.

“Right now, I’m focused on Prolific Prep and getting ready for Kentucky,” he said. “Whatever comes next, I’ll be ready for it. But I’m not rushing anything.”

His future might already be written in NBA ink, but Jelavic is determined to earn every accolade on the court, not in the press.

As the regular season winds down and the prep postseason heats up, Jelavic finds himself in a familiar position: the spotlight. But unlike many top prospects, he thrives under it. In fact, he seems to grow in big moments.

With national tournaments on the horizon, he has the opportunity to make one final statement before heading to Lexington—a statement not just of dominance, but of readiness. Of poise. Of leadership.

If the season to date has been any indication, Jelavic is far more than a five-star talent. He’s a potential culture-changer, the kind of player Kentucky hasn’t had in years—a forward with the skill of a guard and the mentality of a veteran.

Andrija Jelavic has done more than dominate the high school circuit—he’s redefined what it means to be a modern forward. He combines size, skill, IQ, and leadership in a way that’s rarely seen at the prep level. He’s not just another top recruit—he’s a cornerstone.

As Kentucky gears up for a new chapter under Coach Mark Pope, Jelavic appears poised to be the centerpiece of that rebuild. There will be challenges. There will be adjustments. But the tools are there. The mindset is there. The game is already college-ready.

So, is he ready to conquer the next level?

He’s already begun.