Andrija Jelavic

Andrija Jelavić (PF | 207 cm | ‘04) ~ Croatia

11.3 pts, FG2-45.8%, FG3-33.3%, FT-70.0%, 11.0 reb, 2.4 ast, 0.9 st, 1.9 to, 2.9 blck

Croatia underperformed here as a team even though they have a few good prospects and Andrija Jelavić is in my opinion their most interesting one. An inside & outside PF that can play face up or with the back to the basket, offers some stretching and can score from any spot on the floor. The shooting motion isn’t perfect yet but it should be fine over years when the body fills out. Showed good rebounding and shot blocking instincts too and in general possesses a good feel for the game. He signed a multi-year contract with Mega Basket a few months ago and history taught us that they know how to develop big guys, so another prospect that needs to be followed in the next few years but more for the European than NBA executives.

Andrija Jelavic (F | 207 cm | ‘04) ~ Mega Mozzart Belgrade

14.7 pts, FG2-66.7%, FG3-32.5%, FT-62.8%, 6 reb, 2 ast, 0.7 st, 2 to, 1 blck

Croatian forward transferred from Ljubljana to a Serbian powerhouse on a long-term deal not so long ago and it seemed the move has paid off straight away. He fit in quite well and was a vital contributor to the Mega success. Andrija has a nice size and continues to fill up. Efficient player, who by taking advantage of easy opportunities on and off the ball. Can deliver, somewhat quietly solid numbers,. Those “front page” players like Nikola and Bassala need guys like Andrija, that can do a number of things and fill in the gaps. His shot looks to be slowly coming around, which adds an extra dimension to his game. Defensively, he can challenge some players, but don’t expect him to be turning heads. Should be a solid contributor at mid-high levels in Europe in the future.

(Written by Igor Chytrzynski)

19.5 pts, 2FG-57.1%, 3FG-23.5%, FT-66.7%, 7.5 rebs, 3.0 ast, 2.5 stl, 2.5 to, 0 blks
(Written by Marko Turk)

A stretch forward that operates mostly outside the paint. Likes to take shots from the top, his shooting motion is a little inconsistent but has the potential to become a good stretch option in the future. Has very good ball handling skills for a player his size and can bring the ball to the offensive end or attack with drives in half court sets. Mobile, moves fluidly and runs the floor well. In defense he can make some good reads and make some interceptions but his on ball defense, reactions and lateral movements need some fixes because better slashers can get by him too easily.