Andrija Jelavic echoes BBN’s frustration as Kentucky’s recurring weakness resurfaces

With tip-off in Knoxville just hours away, Kentucky basketball faces yet another moment of truth. One of the clearest measures of how far this team has progressed will reveal itself almost immediately. The Wildcats have developed an alarming habit this season: falling behind early and then scrambling to recover.

That pattern showed itself again on Wednesday night against LSU, when Kentucky found itself in a 19–5 hole before the game had even settled. Unfortunately, this scenario has become far too familiar. The Wildcats often spend the opening minutes digging themselves into trouble, forcing the rest of the game into comeback mode. Sometimes they manage to claw their way back. Other times, the deficit proves too much.

What’s clear is that everyone around the program understands this has to change — even if no one can fully explain why it keeps happening.

Kentucky players searching for answers to slow starts

Speaking to the media ahead of the matchup with Tennessee, freshman big man Andrija Jelavic was asked directly about Kentucky’s persistent slow starts. His response was refreshingly honest — and strikingly similar to what fans have been saying all season.

“I don’t even know,” Jelavic admitted. “Even Coach Pope is trying to adjust the lineup so we don’t start slow, but I really don’t have an answer. I’m not going to lie.”

That uncertainty reflects the larger issue facing the Wildcats. This isn’t a one-off problem or a matchup-specific flaw. It’s a season-long trend. Kentucky has fallen behind by 20 points four different times this year — and lost every one of those games. They’ve also been down by 18 against LSU, 10 against St. John’s, and nine against Indiana before rallying for wins.

Those comebacks show resilience and belief, but they also underline how dangerous this approach is.

You can’t rely on late surges forever.

Intensity remains the unresolved issue

Guard Otega Oweh didn’t shy away from responsibility when asked about the issue. He believes the solution starts with leadership and effort, not tactics.

“We’ve had these slow starts, and I think it starts with me and D.A. (Denzel Aberdeen),” Oweh said. “The intensity has to be the same as it was in the second half against LSU. We’ve just got to adjust it — that’s really what it comes down to.”

Intensity has been the recurring theme since Kentucky’s early-season loss to Georgetown. It’s been mentioned in postgame interviews, press conferences, and fan discussions alike. Yet here the Wildcats are, deep into January, still searching for a consistent fix.

That lack of urgency at tip-off continues to put unnecessary pressure on the group, forcing them to play near-perfect basketball just to erase early damage.

Jelavic identifies the core problem

Jelavic didn’t stop at acknowledging confusion. He also pinpointed what he sees as the team’s biggest obstacle moving forward.

“That’s our number one problem,” he said. “We’re always down by 10 at halftime, then we turn the game around. It shows character and it’s inspiring, but against real opponents, you need 40 minutes of good basketball to win. That’s what we need to do.”

It’s a statement that perfectly captures the mood of Big Blue Nation.

Yes, the fight is admirable. Yes, the comebacks show toughness. But against elite competition — especially on the road — those slow starts are a recipe for disaster.

Knoxville provides another measuring stick

Saturday’s game in Knoxville presents a brutal test. Tennessee is not a team you want to spot an early lead, particularly in a hostile environment. If Kentucky once again waits until the second half to bring full intensity, the result may already be decided.

BBN has heard the explanations. They’ve seen the effort spikes. Now they want results from the opening tip.

Jelavic summed it up honestly. The fans agree with him completely.

Now it’s time for Kentucky to prove it on the floor.