The Chicago Sky have signed free agent Alisia Jenkins to a seven-day contract the franchise announced early Monday morning. The addition comes just two days following the announcement that key Sky players Diamond DeShields and Azura Stevens have left the WNBA bubble.
Stevens will miss the remainder of the season due to an injury sustained to her left knee nearly two weeks ago. DeShields chose to leave the team for personal reasons, it is unknown what those reasons are and she is not expected to return. Two major blows for a Sky team looking to make a strong push as true championship contenders.
Jenkins is a 6-foot-1 forward who was originally signed by the Indiana Fever on August 17 but waived on August 28. That same day, the Sky announced they had traded Jantel Lavender and two second round 2021 draft picks for Stephanie Mavunga.
Jenkins brings length, athleticism and versatility from a defensive standpoint to Chicago. The University of South Florida graduate has played professional overseas since 2016 putting up massive numbers this past season in Hungary at 22.4 points and 12.3 rebound per game. Jenkins was also named All-Hungarian Defensive Player of the Year and is the all-time leading rebounder in USF history with 1,284 rebounds.
The move for Chicago makes sense considering their roster dropped down to nine players following the departure of Stevens and DeShields. Jenkins was already in the WNBA bubble, well within the league protocol and a healthy and able player ready to play right away.
Jenkins is expected to dress for Chicago when the Sky faces the Indiana Fever today at 6:00 p.m. ET on CBS Sports Network.
