Kentucky's Andrija Jelavić is set to face off against a familiar face this Saturday. The former Mega Superbet standout will take on Auburn's Filip Jović, a fellow alum from the Adriatic League powerhouse.
These two were a dynamic duo in Serbia, with Jelavić averaging 11 points and 7.4 rebounds, while Jović chipped in 12.3 points and four boards per game. Now, they've brought their talents stateside, joining the college basketball scene in the 2025-26 season.
Both players have transitioned into their roles smoothly, making significant contributions to their teams. Jelavić has started 10 of Kentucky's 11 games, posting 5.6 points and 4.2 rebounds per game, shooting an efficient 52.2% from the field and an impressive 40.9% from beyond the arc. Jović, on the other hand, has been a key reserve for Auburn, averaging 5.9 points and 3.7 rebounds in 16 minutes per game, with an eye-popping 70.7% field goal percentage.
Jović has shown flashes of brilliance, particularly with a standout 23-point performance in a narrow victory over South Carolina. However, consistency has been elusive, as he was held scoreless in a recent loss to Mississippi State, playing just 11 minutes.
Jelavić, meanwhile, has had his own challenges finding a groove. Injuries to teammates opened the door for him to step into the starting lineup, where his shooting and rebounding have been solid.
Yet, his decision-making and defensive play are still developing. As Kentucky's head coach Mark Pope noted, Jelavić is a work in progress but possesses significant potential.
"He’s got a big upside," Pope said. "It’s just the progress of it.
I love it."
Kentucky will be looking for Jelavić to step up and help snap their two-game losing streak. This matchup isn't the first time Jelavić has faced a former Mega Superbet teammate this season. In a dominant win over Mississippi State, he went up against Sergej Macura, contributing three points and five rebounds in 17 minutes.
As Jelavić and Jović prepare to clash, it's not just a meeting of former teammates but a chance for both to showcase their growth and impact in the college game.