In a move that has sent shockwaves through the women's basketball world, the University of Kentucky has landed Ajša Sivka, the No. 10 overall pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft. After sitting out the 2025 WNBA season with the Chicago Sky, the 20-year-old Slovenian sensation will trade the professional ranks for college hardwood, committing to the Wildcats in a stunning announcement on Wednesday.
At 6-foot-4, Sivka brings a rare blend of size and skill to Lexington. She can shoot from deep, create her own shot off the dribble, and facilitate for teammates—a versatile wing who can impact the game in multiple ways. "Her combination of size and skill will fit into our system seamlessly," said Kentucky coach Kenny Brooks. "Ajša is a tremendous shooter, scorer, and playmaker from the wing position, and she will add experience to our team."
Sivka's basketball journey has been anything but ordinary. She made her professional debut in Italy at just 16 years old, then hopped across Europe to play in France and Spain. Her most recent stop was with Joventut Badalona in Spain's top women's league, where she averaged 8.4 points, 3.6 rebounds, and one assist per game—a modest stat line that doesn't fully capture her potential.
Where Sivka truly shines is on the international stage. She was named MVP of the 2023 FIBA Women's U18 European Championships after leading Slovenia to a gold medal. She also suited up for the senior national team at EuroBasket Women 2023, becoming the youngest player in the tournament. That pedigree suggests she's ready for the bright lights of college basketball.
Kentucky needs her firepower. The Wildcats made a Sweet 16 run last season—their first in a decade—but lost a staggering amount of talent this offseason. Four of their top six scorers, including Tonie Morgan, Teonni Key, Amelia Hassett, and Jordan Obi, all declared for the 2026 WNBA Draft. Those four combined for 1,514 of Kentucky's 2,695 points (56.2%) and Morgan alone accounted for nearly half of the team's assists. Add in graduating seniors and three reserves who entered the transfer portal, and Brooks had his work cut out for him.
But Brooks has been busy. He landed the No. 6-ranked recruiting class in the country, per 247 Sports, headlined by McDonald's All-Americans Maddyn Greenway (No. 8 overall), Savvy Swords (No. 16), and Emily McDonald (No. 38). Now, with Sivka in the fold, the Wildcats have added a seasoned pro with international experience to pair with returning standouts Clara Strack and Asia Boone.
For Sivka, it's a chance to reset, grow, and chase a championship in the best conference in women's college basketball. For Kentucky, it's a statement: the Wildcats are reloading, not rebuilding. And for fans, it's a storyline worth watching all season long.