On April 15, 2025, the Golden State Valkyries made significant strides in their inaugural WNBA draft by selecting Justė Jocytė at #5, Shyanne Sellers at #17, and Kaitlyn Chen at #30. This draft is pivotal for the expansion team as they look to establish a competitive roster in the league.
Justė Jocytė, a 19-year-old Lithuanian prodigy, has been making waves in the basketball world since she turned professional at just 15. Despite not being widely projected to be picked by the Valkyries, her selection at #5 was a testament to GSV’s commitment to leveraging international talent. "I did not exactly predict this pick at #5, but I guess compared to a lot of observers, I did," noted one analyst, highlighting the mixed reactions surrounding her choice.
Jocytė’s commitment to her Eurobasket team poses a challenge for her immediate availability with the Valkyries. She has made it clear that her national team obligations take precedence, stating, "The national team is always my priority. If the WNBA told me I couldn’t leave and had to choose, I’d undoubtedly pick the national team." This long-term investment in her potential is something GSV can afford as they build their roster.
Shyanne Sellers, a standout from the University of Maryland, fell to the 17th pick due to concerns over a knee injury that limited her playtime during her senior year. Many analysts had projected her as a first-round talent, making her drop surprising. "Some mocked Sellers to GSV at #5!" one commentator exclaimed, reflecting the unexpected nature of her selection. However, with GSV’s patience and willingness to wait for Sellers to recover, she might prove to be a valuable asset. Sellers recently made headlines for proposing to her girlfriend, Faith Masonius, a former player at Seton Hall, just before the draft.
Kaitlyn Chen, selected at #30, made history as the first player of Taiwanese descent to be drafted into the WNBA. Chen, who transferred to UConn after three successful seasons at Princeton, played a crucial role in leading her team to a national championship this past April. Her performance at UConn was impressive, where she averaged 6.9 points, 3.4 assists, and 1.2 steals per game. Chen was recognized for her leadership and playmaking abilities, with ESPN describing her as a highly underrated player who can control the tempo and elevate her teammates. "Though undersized, Chen's ability to elevate teammates and control the tempo is similar to other guards," the report stated.
During her time at Princeton, Chen was named the Ivy League tournament's most outstanding player three times from 2022 to 2024, showcasing her consistent excellence on the court. Her former teammate at UConn, Paige Bueckers, who was the first overall pick in the draft, advocated for both Chen and another teammate, Aubrey Griffin, to be selected, emphasizing their talent and potential impact at the next level.
As the Valkyries look to build their team, the selection of these three players signifies a blend of immediate potential and long-term investment. The team is particularly focused on establishing a diverse and competitive roster, and these picks reflect that strategy. With Jocytė’s international experience, Sellers’ raw potential, and Chen’s groundbreaking achievement, GSV is setting the stage for a promising future.
The draft was a significant event not only for the Valkyries but also for the broader basketball community as it highlighted the increasing recognition of international talent in women’s basketball. The WNBA has been evolving, and the Valkyries’ selections are a clear indication of the league's commitment to diversifying its talent pool.
In the coming months, all eyes will be on how these players adapt to the professional level and how the Valkyries integrate them into their system. The anticipation surrounding these young athletes is palpable, and fans are eager to see how they will contribute to the team’s success.
As the WNBA season approaches, the Golden State Valkyries are poised to make a splash with their new recruits. The excitement surrounding the draft picks, particularly the historic selection of Kaitlyn Chen, adds to the narrative of growth and opportunity within the league.
With the Valkyries committed to their long-term vision, fans can expect a season filled with development, potential, and the thrill of new beginnings in women’s basketball.
