Andrija Jelavic can unlock a completely different version of Ohio State’s frontcourt

Ohio State’s frontcourt overhaul this offseason was not just about adding size, it was about adding versatility.

The Buckeyes needed more lineup flexibility, more offensive spacing, and more frontcourt skill to complement a roster that is increasingly being built around guard play, pace, and offensive movement under Jake Diebler. That is exactly why the addition of Andrija Jelavic feels so important.

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On paper, Jelavic looks like another talented transfer addition entering the rotation. But stylistically, he may end up becoming something much more significant.

The former Kentucky big man gives Ohio State a type of frontcourt player it has not consistently had in recent years. A legitimate stretch big with real mobility, offensive feel, and long-term upside.

Because of that, his impact on Ohio State’s offense could extend far beyond his box score production.

Jelavic’s skillset fits modern basketball

At roughly 6-foot-11, and 225 pounds Jelavic already possesses the physical profile major programs covet in modern frontcourt players.

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But unlike many traditional centers, his game is not built solely around post scoring, rebounding, or interior finishing. What makes him intriguing is how comfortable he looks operating in space.

During his freshman season at Kentucky, Jelavic averaged 5.5 points and 4 rebounds in just 15.6 minutes per game while flashing perimeter shooting ability, fluid movement skills, and offensive versatility that immediately translated at the SEC level.

The production itself was solid for a freshman playing rotational minutes on a high-level roster. The flashes underneath the numbers are what make evaluators so optimistic about his long-term ceiling.

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Jelavic can step out and shoot from the perimeter. He can operate as a pick-and-pop option. He moves well enough laterally to survive in modern spacing-heavy offensive systems. Unlike many younger stretch bigs, he does not look uncomfortable making reads with the ball in his…

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Publish date : 2026-05-29 13:31:00

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