Andrija Jelavic, the talented Croatian player, spoke to Basketball Sphere about his time at Mega and how he envisions the future of his career.
The 19-year-old Croatian prospect has been a part of Mega since this season. Prior to that, he played for OKK Belgrade alongside his current teammate, Serbian point guard Nikola Topic.
As Mega has become the European club with the most NBA-drafted players, with a total of 15, there is increasing attention on the young talents who play for the Belgrade-based team. Andrija Jelavic shone in the ABA Super Cup at the beginning of this season, averaging 14.7 points, 9.3 rebounds, and an incredible 57% three-point shooting (8/14) in three games.
All of this suggests that Andrija Jelavic is a new “unicorn” from Mega talents factory. A “big man” who does it all on the court – he rebounds, brings the ball up the court, shoots three-pointers. However, Andrija believes there is still room for improvement in his game.
“I definitely think I have a lot of room for improvement in many aspects of the game, both technically (dribbling, post moves) and physically, I need to work a lot on my body. Even with good averages, I always need to work on my shot because I believe that’s what sets me apart from other big players.” – Andrija Jelavic began the conversation with Basketball Sphere.
Individual work is what distinguishes Mega in working with young players
In the first game of the new season in the ABA League, Mega vas expectedly defeated by Cedevita Olimpija in Slovenia. Jelavic had the shot for the win but missed, and it was evident that it was tough for him. Aleksandar Petrovic recently emphasized in an interview with Portal Crosarka that this is precisely why Mega is the best club in the region for young players because they have the right to make mistakes from which they can learn.
“As for the last shots, I always wanted to be the one taking them, but they didn’t go in that time. Despite two losses in the opening two rounds, the atmosphere in the locker room remained positive and focused, just as always, and we are looking ahead to the upcoming games.”
Andrija Jelavic’s words were proven true in the next two rounds of the ABA League. Mega defeated FMP and then beat one of the main favorites in the competition, Partizan. This time, he didn’t have the opportunity to take the deciding shot in a close finish, but his team won with an auto-basket by Uros Trifunovic at the buzzer.
Mega, as we’ve already mentioned, is a talent factory, and young Andrija Jelavic provided some insight into their training:
“Regarding the work at Mega, as everyone already knows, it’s the best place for young players to progress. In terms of the actual training, in the morning sessions, we focus a lot on individual deficiencies and gym work, while in the evening sessions, we concentrate more on team play. Perhaps the most crucial part of it all is the coaches who stay with the players after training and are available at any time for additional work.”
Andrija Jelavic as the legitimate successor to Dario Saric in the Croatian national team
Croatia is packed with talent in the frontcourt positions, which recent results might not confirm, but when you look at the names, head coach Josip Sesar certainly has a sweet dilemma: Ivica Zubac, Dario Saric, Luka Samanic, Ante Zizic, Dragan Bender, Matej Rudan, Karlo Matkovic, Danko Brankovic, Roko Prkacin, and more. However, according to Aleksandar Petrovic, Andrija Jelavic should be the legitimate successor to Dario Saric in the power forward position.
“I think Mr. Petrovic has said it all, and it would certainly be an honor to take on Dario Saric’s role in the near future. As for playing for the national team, I see myself contributing in a few years, and regarding the competition in my position, I’ll definitely have to earn my minutes and position.”
In the younger categories in Croatia, Andrija Jelavic played for Cedevita Junior, where he didn’t get much of a chance. This is just one confirmation of why he is currently playing in Serbian club basketball rather than in Croatia.
“In Cedevita, I simply didn’t get playing time, and I was often on loan. But even if I had the minutes, Mega would still be the best option for me.” – Andrija Jelavic was clear.
The NBA is his dream
Andrija Jelavic’s path forward in his career should be clear. The first reason is Mega as a club, and the second is straightforward. He’s 210 cm tall and shoots three-pointers, and players of this type are currently in high demand in the NBA.
“The season has just begun, it’s too early to predict what will happen, but it’s certainly my plan and dream, like probably every player, to play in the NBA. I believe that with the conditions and everything that Mega provides, I can achieve that.”
