SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. - The University of San Francisco athletics department will celebrate "Volodymyr Markovetskyy Night" on Friday, Dec. 22 when the men's basketball team hosts Fresno State at 5:00 pm.
 
A Truskavets, Ukraine native, Markovetskyy transferred to the Hilltop prior to the 2021-22 season after two seasons at Washington State where he appeared in 45 games for the Cougars.
 
At 7'2", Markovetksyy is a gentle giant known for his calm demeanor and positive personality.
 
Markovetskyy continues to suit up for the Dons with thoughts of his courageous family in Ukrane always on his mind. His mother, Leysa Markovetskyy is a former combat medic for Ukraine and is back home supporting his father, Volodymyr Markovetslyy, a patrol officer who is fighting on the front lines.
 
His sister 13-year-old sister, Julia Markovetskyy, moved to San Francisco last summer to live with Volodymyr while she goes to school.
 
As one of a handful of Ukrainian student-athletes competing at the NCAA Division I level, Markovetskyy has been an advocate to stop the war.
 
In spring 2022, Markovetskyy discussed his thoughts and emotions surrounding the war with members of the media, including the NCAA's Andy Katz and CBS's Matt Norlander.
 
In April 2022, Markovetskyy was invited by the NCAA Final Four Committee to speak at the NCAA's Final Four Talks, a series of short talks intended to broaden perspectives and inspire action. The 2022 theme was "Educate and Innovate" and brought together student-athletes with senior-level college administrators, stakeholders, and leaders to discuss innovative ways to help shape a brighter future.
 
During these talks, Markovetskyy shared his perspective on his life journey through the game of basketball and the war in Ukraine. These conversations provided insight on how the war has affected his family and his life as a Division I student-athlete.
 
To view the full segment featuring Markovetskyy, please click here.
 
For updates and more information on the San Francisco men's basketball program, follow the Dons @USFDonsMBB on Twitter, @USFDonsMBB on Instagram and @USFDonsMBB on Facebook.