RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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See the full story · 1 sourcesIt's not often that you see players turn down a professional career to go the college route, especially when that player is a first-round draft pick. But that's the case for one of Kentucky women's basketball 's newest additions.
Ajša Sivka was drafted 10th overall by the Chicago Sky in the 2025 WNBA Draft, but the 6-foot-4 Slovenian guard remained in her home country to represent the national team rather than pursuing a professional career.
Following the FIBA EuroBasket Women’s Championship, Sivka began exploring her collegiate basketball options. After looking over a number of opportunities, the 20-year-old decided to commit to Kentucky ahead of the 2026-27 season, with development being one of the biggest selling points.
"I think the thing that was most important to me was (looking) at what I wanted to improve," Sivka said during UK's media day Tuesday, July 28. "My post game, with my size, I think I'll have a lot of advantage throughout the year."
Not only will the staff have the opportunity to help Sivka improve, but she'll be working alongside All-American center Clara Strack , who was second in the country in blocks last season while averaging a double-double.
"Watching her do the move and then me trying to do the same, it's great," Sivka said. "She's really helping me."
Though her post presence is where she'll be looking to grow the most, she feels like she can play a number of positions on the floor while being Kentucky's second-tallest player, only behind Strack.
Sivka is a self-proclaimed small forward, but has traits pulled from other areas of the floor. At times, she'll play around the paint at the power forward position, but she feels comfortable bringing the ball up the floor — answering with a confident "yes" when asked if that was one of her skills.
The Slovenia native could be an X-factor on this roster as she learns to develop under Kenny Brooks , who has worked to grow the games of many notable post players like Strack, Teonni Key , and even Liz Kitley during his time at Virginia Tech.
It's exactly what Sivka is looking for heading into her first season playing basketball in the United States, making this a win for both parties.
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This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Ajša Sivka explains why she chose Kentucky WBB over WNBA's Chicago Sky
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