Former Kentucky Star Dazia Lawrence Signs With Kosovo’s KBF Peja 03 to Begin Professional Women’s Basketball Career Overseas

Dazia Lawrence’s basketball journey is officially going global. The former Kentucky Wildcats guard has signed her first professional contract, joining KBF Peja 03, a competitive women’s basketball team based in Kosovo. For Lawrence, the move represents both a new beginning and a continuation of her relentless pursuit of excellence on the court.

Lawrence, known for her scoring ability, athleticism, and defensive tenacity, now turns the page from her collegiate chapter in the United States to the professional ranks of European basketball. Kosovo may not have the same global basketball reputation as countries like Spain, France, or Turkey, but in recent years, its women’s leagues have grown steadily in both talent and recognition. For players like Lawrence, it offers not only professional development but an opportunity to showcase their skills on an international platform.

For the 5-foot-9 guard, the transition comes after an impactful collegiate career that began at Charlotte and concluded with a high-profile stint at Kentucky. Lawrence’s journey to the Wildcats program was a testament to her determination, hard work, and ability to rise through the ranks in increasingly competitive environments.

During her time at Charlotte, Lawrence blossomed into one of Conference USA’s most reliable scoring threats, earning all-conference honors and catching the attention of major Division I programs. Her ability to create off the dribble, knock down perimeter shots, and defend multiple positions made her a coveted transfer target in the NCAA portal era.

Kentucky secured Lawrence ahead of the 2024-25 season, adding much-needed depth and experience to a roster undergoing significant transition. While the Wildcats’ season was filled with highs and lows, Lawrence’s contributions were never in question. She brought veteran leadership, defensive intensity, and offensive versatility to a young Kentucky squad competing in the always-tough Southeastern Conference (SEC).

Lawrence’s stats may not have always told the full story of her impact, but coaches and teammates consistently praised her work ethic, resilience, and unselfish approach to the game. Her presence in the Kentucky locker room helped steady a group navigating injuries, new faces, and the constant grind of SEC competition.

Now, Lawrence embarks on a new chapter that countless American players have pursued before her—taking their talents overseas. Kosovo’s KBF Peja 03 presents a unique opportunity for Lawrence to not only continue playing the sport she loves but also to experience a different culture, style of basketball, and level of competition.

The European game is often characterized by its tactical approach, heavy emphasis on team play, and physical defense. It’s a style that will challenge Lawrence to further refine her basketball IQ and adapt her skill set to meet the demands of international competition. However, her athletic background, defensive prowess, and scoring instincts should translate well across the Atlantic.

KBF Peja 03, based in the historic city of Peja in western Kosovo, has been steadily building its women’s program with an emphasis on recruiting international talent. The club competes in the Kosovo Women’s Basketball League, which has seen increased competitiveness in recent years as more former NCAA players and seasoned European veterans join its ranks.

Lawrence joins a roster that will likely rely on her as both a scorer and perimeter defender. Her quickness, ball-handling, and ability to get to the basket make her a valuable asset in European play, where guards often face compact defenses and need to create opportunities both for themselves and their teammates. Moreover, her defensive mindset—a hallmark of her collegiate career—will endear her to coaches and fans alike in Kosovo.

For Lawrence, the move is also a significant personal milestone. Transitioning from college to professional basketball is never easy, especially when that transition involves moving halfway around the world. The cultural, linguistic, and lifestyle adjustments can be daunting. But Lawrence, whose basketball journey has already taken her from Charlotte to Lexington, is no stranger to embracing new challenges.

Many American players who take their first professional steps overseas find it to be a rewarding, eye-opening experience. Beyond the basketball court, players often build lifelong friendships, explore new countries, and develop a global perspective that shapes their personal and professional lives long after their playing days are over.

Kosovo, while relatively new to the European basketball landscape following its independence declaration in 2008, has made significant strides in building its sports infrastructure. Basketball, particularly on the men’s side, has grown rapidly, and the women’s game is following suit. Clubs like KBF Peja 03 are part of that growth, offering international-caliber players a platform to compete, develop, and contribute to the sport’s evolution in the region.

Lawrence’s signing is also another example of how the modern women’s basketball landscape has evolved. With the rise of the NCAA transfer portal, Name-Image-Likeness (NIL) opportunities, and increased visibility for the WNBA and international leagues, players have more options than ever to craft unique career paths. For those who may not immediately land in the WNBA—or who simply want to explore the world—Europe, Asia, and Australia present appealing alternatives.

The professional women’s game abroad has long been a proving ground for American players, and many stars have carved out successful international careers, whether they later transition to the WNBA or continue building their legacies overseas. For Lawrence, this is her chance to write the next chapter of her basketball journey.

While it remains to be seen exactly how her debut season with KBF Peja 03 will unfold, expectations are high that Lawrence will make an immediate impact. Her blend of speed, scoring, and defensive prowess align well with the European game’s demands. Furthermore, her reputation as a hard worker and consummate teammate bodes well for her adjustment to the professional ranks.

For Kentucky fans, Lawrence’s signing marks another point of pride as the program continues to produce players capable of competing at the next level. While the Wildcats’ recent seasons have been marked by rebuilding and transition, stories like Lawrence’s demonstrate the caliber of talent and character that continues to emerge from the Kentucky women’s basketball program.

In the broader context, Lawrence’s decision to pursue her professional career in Kosovo reflects the increasingly global nature of basketball. Opportunities exist in all corners of the world, and players like Lawrence are helping to grow the game beyond traditional borders. Whether competing in packed European arenas or representing her team in regional tournaments, Lawrence will carry with her the lessons, experiences, and work ethic honed during her college years in the United States.

As she prepares to suit up for KBF Peja 03, Lawrence joins a long list of American athletes who have embraced the challenge and opportunity of international basketball. Her signing is not just a career move—it’s a testament to perseverance, adaptability, and the universal love for the game that connects players from Kentucky to Kosovo and everywhere in between.

For now, all eyes will be on Lawrence as she begins this exciting new journey, bringing her trademark determination, competitive spirit, and Kentucky pride to the courts of Europe. With her skill set and mindset, she is well-equipped to leave a lasting impact, both on and off the floor, as her professional career officially gets underway.