**IT’S DONE: Denver Nuggets Secure 7-Foot-11 Monster Andrija Jelavić, Flips Commitment from Boilermakers over Alabama and Tennessee**
In a stunning twist that has sent shockwaves through the basketball world, the Denver Nuggets have secured the commitment of 7-foot-11 Croatian phenom **Andrija Jelavić**, who had previously been bound for college basketball with the **Purdue Boilermakers**, after originally considering **Alabama** and **Tennessee**.
This blockbuster decision comes amid a growing trend of international stars opting for direct NBA paths over NCAA development, and Jelavić—dubbed the “Balkan Tower”—might be the most intriguing prospect yet.
### A Towering Talent
Jelavić’s size alone is jaw-dropping. At 7-foot-11 with a wingspan rumored to stretch over 9 feet, he defies the limits of modern basketball architecture. But it’s not just his size that has scouts raving—Jelavić has soft hands, a reliable mid-range jumper, and rare court vision for a player his height. His agility and footwork, especially for someone his size, have drawn comparisons to Kristaps Porziņģis and even a young Pau Gasol, albeit with the physical presence of a Yao Ming.
Originally set to bring his talents to the NCAA stage, Jelavić had committed to Purdue in early April, lured by head coach Matt Painter’s reputation for developing big men. Alabama and Tennessee, both SEC powerhouses, were also in contention but ultimately lost out. However, in a shocking turn, sources close to Jelavić confirmed that he had received a last-minute offer from the Denver Nuggets and opted to take the leap straight to the NBA.
### Why the Nuggets?
The Nuggets, fresh off a deep playoff run and hungry to maintain their dominance in the Western Conference, have quietly been building for the future. While reigning MVP Nikola Jokić remains the centerpiece of the team, Denver’s front office sees Jelavić as a unique long-term investment.
“He’s not just tall—he’s skilled, and he’s smart,” said one Nuggets scout. “Andrija has been on our radar for over two years. The maturity he brings at just 18 is off the charts. With the right mentorship—especially from a fellow Serbian-speaking leader like Jokić—he could become the most dominant two-way big in the league within five years.”
Jelavić is expected to sign under the NBA’s international early entry clause and will likely be stashed in Europe or developed through the G League Ignite program for a season before joining the Nuggets’ main roster.
### The Fallout for NCAA Programs
Purdue’s coaching staff was reportedly “blindsided” by Jelavić’s abrupt flip. After losing Zach Edey to the NBA, Jelavić was seen as the perfect heir to anchor the Boilermakers’ frontcourt. Alabama and Tennessee, both of whom aggressively pursued Jelavić through NIL deals and elite development pitches, are now left reassessing their recruiting strategies in the face of an increasingly globalized talent pipeline.
This move marks another milestone in the evolving basketball landscape, where elite international prospects are increasingly bypassing the traditional NCAA route, opting instead for immediate professional exposure, mentorship, and financial stability.
### What’s Next?
While he may still be raw in some areas, Andrija Jelavić is no longer a future name—he’s a present headline. The Nuggets have landed a potential generational unicorn, and NBA fans should prepare themselves for the moment this near-8-footer steps onto an NBA court.
And make no mistake: the Mile High City just got higher.
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