In a groundbreaking moment for women’s basketball in the Bay Area, the Golden State Valkyries made history by selecting Lithuanian guard Justė Jocytė with the No. 5 overall pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft held on April 14, 2025. This marks the first draft pick in the franchise's history as they prepare for their inaugural season.
The 19-year-old Jocytė, standing at 6-foot-2, has been making waves in the basketball world, previously playing for the French club Lyon ASVEL. During her time in the BWL, she averaged 11.9 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game over 21 appearances, showcasing her versatility as a true three-level scorer. Jocytė's performance in the FIBA Women’s EuroBasket 2025 Qualifiers was particularly impressive, where she averaged 17.0 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 3.3 assists across four games, helping her national team secure a finals appearance for the first time since 2015.
While the Valkyries had their expansion draft last December, they did not acquire any notable players, which made this draft crucial for building their roster. Analysts were surprised by the Valkyries' decision to select Jocytė over LSU’s Aneesah Morrow, who was viewed as a safer choice. Morrow, who went on to be picked by the Connecticut Sun at No. 7, had a standout collegiate career, leading the nation in double-doubles.
Golden State secured the No. 5 pick during the 2025 WNBA Draft Lottery last November, and the anticipation leading up to the draft was palpable. With Jocytė's selection, the Valkyries are betting on her international experience, having played professionally since the age of 14, making her arguably more seasoned than many of her American counterparts.
“I’ve been able to watch Justė Jocytė since she was 13 years old. This is a GREAT selection for Golden State,” tweeted Rachel Galligan, a prominent basketball analyst. “She’s played against pros for 6-7 years already at 19 years old.” The Valkyries' choice reflects their philosophy of focusing on young international talent, a strategy that could pay dividends down the line.
In addition to Jocytė, the Valkyries still have two more picks in the draft, selecting at No. 17 and No. 30 in the second and third rounds, respectively. Their roster currently features 11 players acquired during the expansion draft, including notable players like guard Kate Martin and center/forward Temi Fagbenie.
As the Valkyries gear up for their first season, they are already making headlines off the court. Remarkably, they have sold over 10,000 season tickets, making them the first WNBA team to achieve such a milestone before even playing a game. Their inaugural game is set for May 16, 2025, against the Los Angeles Sparks at the Chase Center, where they will look to make a strong first impression.
While the Valkyries are expected to struggle in their first season, they are strategically positioning themselves for future success. With 21 of the current 24 WNBA All-Star players becoming free agents after this season, the Valkyries hope to capitalize on this opportunity to attract top talent in the offseason.
As for Jocytė, she is fully committed to her national team, indicating that she may prioritize international play over her WNBA career. “The national team is always my priority,” she stated earlier this month, underlining her dedication to representing Lithuania on the world stage. This commitment could delay her debut with the Valkyries, especially with the EuroBasket tournament scheduled for June.
In the broader context of the league, the 2025 WNBA Draft saw several notable players selected, including UConn superstar Paige Bueckers going first overall to the Dallas Wings, followed by Dominique Malonga (Seattle Storm), Sonia Citron, and Kiki Iriafen (both Washington Mystics). The draft was a showcase of talent, reflecting the growing competitiveness of women’s basketball.
The Valkyries are now on the clock once more as they prepare for their next two picks. With a mix of young international prospects and experienced players, they hope to build a competitive team that can challenge for titles in the future.
As the excitement builds for the upcoming season, fans are eager to see how Justė Jocytė will adapt to the WNBA and what impact she will have on the Golden State Valkyries. With a unique blend of skill and determination, she embodies the franchise's hopes for a bright future.
