Here at isport news, it has come to light that Chicago Sky‘s 2025 first-round draft choice, Ajša Sivka, selected tenth overall, will be joining Kentucky for the upcoming 2026/27 NCAA basketball season. This development marks another setback for the Sky, who have now seen yet another of their WNBA 2025 draft picks opt for collegiate rather than professional play.
Despite having embarked on a professional career in Europe since 2022, the 20-year-old Slovenian athlete never relinquished her NCAA eligibility. This careful preservation of options allowed her the flexibility to pursue a college basketball path following the draft selection.
An Unexpected Turn for a Promising Talent
The decision to switch gears from the professional courts of Europe to the collegiate arenas in the United States was explained by Sky head coach Tyler Marsh. Speaking candidly to the press, Marsh revealed that Sivka’s motivation was to embrace the comprehensive college experience, not only in terms of basketball development but also the lifestyle and personal growth opportunities that accompany it.
“She expressed a desire to immerse herself fully in the collegiate environment, valuing both the athletic challenges and the broader university life,” Marsh commented during his interview. This insight sheds light on the reasoning behind Sivka’s unexpected choice, which diverges from the traditional trajectory expected of top draft picks.
According to isport latest news, this move underscores a growing trend of international players balancing professional aspirations with collegiate ambitions, highlighting the multifaceted paths athletes may take in their careers.