Justė Jocytė Headlines the Valkyries’ Inaugural Draft Class
The Golden State Valkyries have officially entered the WNBA history books. With the 5th overall pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft, the expansion franchise selected 6-foot Lithuanian sensation Justė Jocytė, making her the first-ever draft pick in Valkyries history. The Golden State Valkyries WNBA draft 2025 is sure to be remembered.
Jocytė, just 19 years old, has already built an impressive international résumé. She turned heads in the EuroBasket qualifiers, torching Belgium with a 22-point performance. Known for her sharp shooting and basketball IQ, she thrives in the pick-and-roll and brings a level of toughness that belies her age. Her ability to play any guard position makes her a key asset for Golden State’s backcourt, especially in the Golden State Valkyries WNBA draft 2025.
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Shyanne Sellers Adds Proven College Pedigree
In the second round (17th overall), the Valkyries selected Shyanne Sellers from the University of Maryland. Sellers left her mark on the Terrapins program, becoming the first player in school history to surpass 1,500 points, 500 rebounds, and 500 assists. Her versatility, leadership, and two-way game should make an immediate impact on both ends of the court. Golden State Valkyries WNBA draft 2025 decisions have experts excited about her potential contributions.
Kaitlyn Chen Brings Championship Experience
With their third-round pick (No. 30 overall), Golden State added Kaitlyn Chen, a dynamic guard who helped lead the UConn Huskies to the 2025 NCAA Championship alongside top overall pick Paige Bueckers. Chen’s playmaking and postseason experience will be invaluable to a young franchise with playoff ambitions.
A Strong Foundation for a Historic Debut
While few expansion teams make the playoffs in year one, the Valkyries aren’t your typical rookie squad. With a state-of-the-art training facility and over 10,000 season tickets sold, they’ve already built a fanbase and infrastructure ready to support success. The Golden State Valkyries WNBA draft 2025 has set a solid foundation for the team’s future.
