FAIRFAX, Va. – George Mason University men's basketball head coach Tony Skinn ('06) announced Thursday that Staš Sivka will join the Patriot roster beginning in 2024-25.
A native of Celje, Slovenia, Sivka is a 6-foot-10 inch forward with a 7-foot-2 inch wingspan. He comes to Fairfax after playing two seasons of professional basketball in his home country.
"Staš is a skilled, combo four who can play and defend multiple positions," Skinn said. "He's a fiery basketball player who uses his motor as a strength. His experience playing in a skilled, physical European league has given him an impressive confidence and demeanor you don't often see in a freshman."
Sivka has suited up for two seasons with BC Rogaska in the Pro-A Slovenian league, most recently playing alongside former Patriot Javon Greene ('21). He averaged 6.6 points and 4.0 rebounds per game during the 2022-23 campaign and then missed the bulk of the 2023-24 season due to a shoulder injury.
Considered one of the top prospects in Slovenia, he competed for the country's U-20 team in 2023.
ABOUT THE PATRIOTS
Sivka is the third freshman to join the Patriot roster in 2024-25, joining guard Justin Begg (Houston, Texas) and forward Bryson Cokley (Whiteville, N.C.).
The Green & Gold also will bring in five transfers, including forward Giovanni Emejuru (Siena), guard Jeremiah Quigley (Iona), guard K.D. Johnson (Auburn), guard Brayden O'Connor (UMass Lowell) and forward Zach Anderson (FGCU). That group is ranked 57
th nationally amongst transfer classes by EvanMiya.com
The Green & Gold also welcome back two starters from last season's 20-win squad, including second-leading scorer
Darius Maddox (14.0 ppg) and
Jared Billups. GM also brings back three additional letter winners, including
Woody Newton,
Austin Ball and 2023 All-SoCon Third Team selection
Jalen Haynes (ETSU). The Patriots finished in the top-100 nationally last season for the first time since 2010-11.
