The Chicago Sky looked to take another major step in their rebuild around Angel Reese and Kamilla Cardoso during the 2025 WNBA Draft on Monday night. The team had two picks late in the first round and used them on Slovenian forward Ajša Sivka and TCU guard Hailey Van Lith.
Sivka, the third European player off the board in the draft, brings some floor-spacing potential to a frontcourt that could badly use it. Despite questions about how she’ll adjust to the physicality of the WNBA, Sivka’s combination of size and shooting ability makes her an intriguing prospect.
Van Lith will be the bigger name for college basketball fans after her impressive college career, during which she made the Elite Eight with three different schools. The 23-year-old is known for her competitive intensity and offensive skill, and she may be able to learn some playmaking tips from veteran Courtney Vandersloot.
How do WNBA experts think the Sky did by adding Sivka and Van Lith? Here’s a rundown of draft grades from national outlets.
CBS Sports — A- and B
CBS liked the Sivka pick more, giving it an A- and noting that she “could be a perfect fit as a big wing” next to Reese and Cardoso. Van Lith will need to overcome concerns about her size and defense, which is why that pick got a B.
ESPN — B
“A lot of this grade depends on Sivka,” says ESPN’s Michael Voepel, who notes the forward won’t turn 20 until November. There also seems to be some skepticism about Van Lith’s game at the pro level. Voepel also shouted out second-round pick Westbeld, who “might have a chance to make the roster, too.”
Swish Appeal — B
SB Nation’s women’s basketball site points out that the Sky’s “choices do not come without risk.” Sivka could take years to reach her potential, while Van Lith’s lack of size will put extra pressure on her ability to knock down shots to be effective offensively.
SB Nation — C+ and A-
Unlike ESPN, which preferred the Sivka, pick, SB Nation gives more praise to the selection of Van Lith at 11. One thing Sky fans will be surely to like about HVL? She “plays with an unmatched competitiveness and swagger,” writes Mitchell Northam.
Bleacher Report — A
Let’s wrap up with a highly positive one. Bleacher Report notes the Sky’s move to get a second first-rounder in this draft “tells you that the Sky are a team looking to add as many assets as possible for the future before a massive shift in 2026 free agency.” Sivka is a “stash asset,” while Van Lith “can learn alongside one of the greatest floor generals in WNBA history in Courtney Vandersloot for at least a year.”