The Golden State Valkyries have made history by selecting Justė Jocytė, a talented shooting guard from Lithuania, with the fifth overall pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft held on April 14, 2025. This marks a significant milestone for the franchise as it represents their first-ever draft choice in WNBA history. Jocytė, who is just 19 years old, has been on the radar of scouts for several years and was a projected top-10 pick, making her selection a thrilling moment for Valkyries fans.
Jocytė's journey to the WNBA has been impressive. She has played professional basketball since the age of 13 and honed her skills in France's Ligue Féminine de Basketball, where she averaged 12.7 points, 2.7 assists, and 1.8 steals per game for Lyon ASVEL Feminin. Notably, she showcased her scoring ability with a standout performance, scoring 22 points against Belgium during the EuroBasket qualifiers. Her shooting statistics indicate a solid foundation for her future in the league, as she connected on 35% of her three-point attempts.
The Valkyries, who are the first expansion team in the WNBA since 2008, are looking to build a competitive roster as they prepare for their inaugural season. Head coach Natalie Nakase is expected to prioritize youth and versatility, and Jocytė fits that mold perfectly. With her high basketball IQ and ability to play multiple positions, she will be a key asset as the team looks to establish its identity.
In the WNBA Draft, the Dallas Wings selected UConn standout Paige Bueckers as the first overall pick, making headlines across the league. Bueckers, a three-time AP All-American and the 2021 AP Player of the Year, has been a highly anticipated addition to the league after a stellar college career. Her presence alongside Jocytė adds excitement to the upcoming season.
The draft featured a total of 13 franchises making 38 selections over three rounds, with the first round consisting of 12 picks. Following the Wings, the Seattle Storm had the second overall pick, while the Washington Mystics held both the third and fourth picks, adding to the competitive atmosphere of the event.
As the draft unfolded, the Valkyries' selection of Jocytė surprised some analysts who expected the team to focus on a point guard or center at the No. 5 spot. Instead, they opted for Jocytė, whose versatility and scoring capability make her an exciting prospect. The projected starting lineup for the Valkyries includes Kate Martin at point guard, Jocytė at shooting guard, Kayla Thornton at small forward, Cecilia Zandalasini at power forward, and Temi Fagbenle at center.
Jocytė's addition to the roster fills an immediate need for the Valkyries, particularly in the backcourt, where creating shots for both herself and her teammates will be crucial. With Martin entering her second season and looking to establish herself, the duo could form a dynamic young backcourt that fans are eager to see in action.
The Valkyries will kick off their inaugural season on May 16, 2025, against the Los Angeles Sparks, marking a historic moment for the franchise. They will play their home games at the Chase Center, the same venue as the Golden State Warriors, owned by Joe Lacob. The anticipation surrounding the Valkyries' debut is palpable, as fans are eager to see how the new team will perform.
In addition to Jocytė, the draft saw other notable selections, including Dominique Malonga, a 6-foot-6 center from France, who was picked second overall by the Seattle Storm. Malonga made headlines as the first French female player to dunk in a EuroCup game, showcasing her athleticism and skill. The Mystics also made waves by selecting promising talents, emphasizing the depth and competitiveness of this year’s draft class.
With the WNBA's new collective bargaining agreement set to take effect for the 2026 season, the draft has seen some top prospects opt to remain in college or explore the transfer portal to capitalize on name, image, and likeness deals. This trend has left some notable players, including Olivia Miles and Flau-Jae Johnson, out of the draft, but it has also created opportunities for international talents like Jocytė to shine.
The Valkyries' selection of Jocytė is a testament to their commitment to building a strong foundation for the future. As they prepare for their first game, the excitement surrounding the team is at an all-time high, and fans are eager to see how this new roster will come together. With a mix of young talent and experienced players, the Valkyries are poised to make a splash in their inaugural season.
As the WNBA Draft concluded, the buzz around the league continued to grow, with fans and analysts alike speculating on how the new players will impact their respective teams. The Golden State Valkyries, with their first-ever draft pick in Justė Jocytė, are ready to embark on a journey that promises to be filled with excitement, challenges, and opportunities for growth. The future looks bright for this new franchise as they aim to establish themselves in the WNBA and compete at the highest level.
