Chicago, Illinois – The Chicago Sky experienced a stroke of luck during the recent WNBA draft, watching as two highly sought-after players unexpectedly fell to them at the No. 10 and No. 11 picks. General manager Jeff Pagliocca and head coach Tyler Marsh were thrilled to select Ajša Sivka, a forward from Slovenia, and Hailey Van Lith, a point guard from TCU, back-to-back.
Pagliocca expressed surprise and excitement that both players were still available, citing Sivka’s impressive skill set as a confident perimeter shooter and Van Lith’s impressive rise in draft boards after a standout season at TCU. Sivka, a 6-foot-4 forward, showcased her abilities by leading the Slovenian U18 team to a FIBA Women’s European Championship title while averaging 15.9 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 2.4 steals as the tournament’s MVP.
Van Lith, a dynamic guard, had a successful college career, despite facing challenges adjusting to a new role and system in 2023-24 at LSU. Now, she is set to reunite with former teammate Angel Reese in Chicago. The Sky’s front office sees Van Lith as a natural fit for their team, praising her winning mindset, toughness, and potential for growth.
In the second round of the draft, the Sky further bolstered their roster by selecting forward Maddy Westbeld from Notre Dame and guard Aicha Coulibaly from Texas A&M. Westbeld, a versatile forward, provides a perimeter threat with her 3-point shooting ability, while Coulibaly adds rebounding prowess as a 6-foot guard.
With only two roster spots available, the new draft picks will have to compete during training camp for a chance to secure a spot on the Sky’s roster. The team faces a tough decision regarding Coulibaly’s availability after she suffered a season-ending knee injury earlier in the year.
Overall, the Sky’s draft picks signal a promising future for the team, with a mix of young talent and experienced players ready to make an impact on the court. As they prepare for the upcoming season, Chicago looks to build on their recent success and continue to establish themselves as a formidable force in the WNBA.