As Kentucky players from this past season's team leave for the transfer portal in droves, Wildcats fans have (mostly) turned their focus to the horizon to try and catch a climpse of who could come and don the blue and white next. Save, that is, for the occasional stray reply or direct message to one of those said players. You gotta love our BBN, for better or far worse.
Although, a handful of those on the way out of Lexington have been sure to give flowers to the fanbase that followed them all year. Collin Chandler was perhaps the most notable, posting a heartfelt note for Kentucky fans prior to what appears to be a surefire move to become a BYU Cougar.
Now, at about the same time as his commitment to Ohio State, forward Andrija Jelavic followed in a similarly classy manner. On his Instagram, "Jela" delivered a bittersweet goodbye to his base of big blue followers.
Jelavic's Bittersweet Goodbye Message
"Dear Big Blue Nation, I know all of You might currently have mixed feelings about me, but I do not have mixed feelings about You," Jelavic began, convincingly. I don't know about you, but I think that's about the best way to disarm any disgruntled Cats fan out of the gate. Jelavic continued:
""I love every single one of You and I thank You for all the love and support you gave me this year. You guys have not just been an incredible fans every game, no matter was it a was it at home or on the road, but You have been an even more incredible people outside the court...""
In addition to expressing his gratitude for the fans in the stands at Rupp Arena, Jelavic also assured the same bunch that their favorite program is "destined for greatness" and "in great hands" with Coach Pope.
Kentucky Basketball is in Great Hands
While things may not feel particularly great following the Wildcats' disappointing end to their most recent campaign, if any fanbase is good about remembering and revering the past, it's this one.
Kentucky hoops is a tradition unlike any other; if a one-season player on the way out can recognize that, the BBN can take comfort in it during even the most difficult times. Jelavic's presence in the paint and generally uplifiting attitude as a teammate will certainly be missed, but take it from the man himself: The Wildcats will, in time, be just fine.