Ajša Sivka’s role on Kentucky could ultimately make or break Kenny Brooks’ third team

Clara Strack is Kentucky's returning star for the 2026-27 season, and much of the success of Kenny Brooks' third season in Lexington will likely live and die with her output. But in last season's run to the Sweet 16, Strack wasn't the only contributor that bolstered an improved Wildcats team. Amelia Hassett's scoring role on the wing was invaluable, and Ajša Sivka has been tasked to replace her.

Sivka, who was taken tenth in the 2025 WNBA Draft by the Chicago Sky before not signing in order to make a run at the collegiate level, was recruited to Lexington this season for a multitude of reasons.

On top of her professional experience overseas, Sivka is meant to raise the bar that Hassett set last year on the way to another expected jump for the Cats. Hassett achieved the single-season record for three-pointers made at Kentucky, netting 99 makes from long range.

That's a hard act to follow up, but Coach Brooks seems to have all the faith in the world in Sivka upon her arrival at Memorial Coliseum.

Sivka's Leadership Bodes Well for Kentucky

"She [Sivka] fits exactly how we want her to play," Brooks began, in a clip from Jordan Adams on X. "Obviously, Amelia Hassett is irreplaceable, but she kind of fills that role in what she'll be able to do for us," Brooks continued.

"Very experienced, very mature... I think her leadership, her experience, is going to bode well for us."

Sivka, at 20 years old, carries more experience than most every player her age, given that she's had a foot in just about every hoops-related camp. Even though she didn't play in the WNBA, being drafted so high based on her experience with Joventut speaks to a player with an unusually high floor.

In her most recent season internationally, Sivka averaged 8.4 points and 3.6 boards; her ability to score on multiple levels in a pro league should translate well to college hoops, and that should mean a statistical increase is also in order.

Bound to Improve at Kentucky

In short, Sivka's time played elsewhere essentially renders her bound to improve at Kentucky, and even as she takes on a serious role, she's far from alone in her efforts to boost the Wildcats this season.

Not only is the aforementioned Strack tracking for her own growth, but freshman Maddyn Greenway and Savvy Swords, alongside transfer Diana Collins, should all play a massive role in helping to carry the shooting and scoring burden.

I don't want to get ahead of myself, but Coach Brooks has put together a gnarly roster that has the makings of a legitimate SEC, and even national, competitor.

A lot of moving parts will have to come together, but I don't see any reason why this shouldn't be Brooks' best team yet in Lexington. So long as Sivka is able to fill Hassett's role to a respectable extent, the 2026-27 campaign should be a whole lot of fun for the Big Blue Nation.

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