Kentucky Basketball is in a rough six-year stretch by their standards. The Cats have only been to the Sweet 16 in one of the last six NCAA Tournaments, and they missed the NCAA Tournament altogether in 2021.
In addition, the Cats haven’t been to the Elite Eight since 2019 or the Final Four since 2015.
Not great for a program with eight national championships and 17 Final Fours.
But that’s not stopping players like Andrija Jelavic from exuding confidence the Cats will get back to where they belong at the top of the college basketball world.
“This is the most legendary program in college basketball…we’re going to be even hungrier next season. Not just individuals, the whole program. This program will be back at its full name,” Jelavic exclaimed via Tristan Pharis.
Jelavic was an international transfer portal signing, and he had a solid first season in Lexington. In 32 games, starting 20, Jelavic averaged 5.5 points and four rebounds per game, while shooting 47.7 percent from the floor.
He showed a capable ability to rebound and score, at times giving Kentucky a lift on the boards. Having Jelavic back could be a boost for a Kentucky front court that could be the focal point of their team next season. But most importantly, Jelavic is a player who understands what playing for Kentucky is about and the expectations that come with it.