Courtesy of the Golden State Valkyries
The Golden State Valkyries, the WNBA's newest franchise, made their grand entrance into the league with their inaugural draft tonight. In their first-ever selections, the Valkyries showcased a forward-thinking approach, blending international star power, collegiate dominance, and high-IQ playmaking across all three rounds.
With the No. 5 overall pick, the Valkyries selected Lithuanian phenom Justė Jocytė, a 6-foot-tall guard whose skill set and poise have already turned heads across Europe. At just 19, Jocytė brings years of professional experience from the French league and international competition, having debuted for the Lithuanian national team at age 13.
A left-handed shot creator with a silky smooth handle and strong court vision, she’s known for her versatility, excelling both as a lead guard and off the ball. Her command in pick-and-roll scenarios and fearless shot-making make her one of the most exciting international additions to the WNBA in recent years.
In the second round, the Valkyries may have pulled off one of the biggest steals of the night. With the No. 17 overall pick, they snagged Shyanne Sellers, a standout guard from the University of Maryland. A three-time First-Team All-Big Ten selection, Sellers was widely projected to go in the first round thanks to her elite perimeter defense, playmaking versatility, and leadership on both ends of the court.
At 6’2”, she brings size and agility to the backcourt, capable of guarding multiple positions and initiating offense with equal confidence. Her competitive edge and two-way impact could prove invaluable to a team building from the ground up.
With their final selection at No. 30 overall, Golden State added a cerebral floor general in Kaitlyn Chen, the 5’9” point guard from UConn. A fan-favorite with a strong following, Chen offers a unique blend of grit, intelligence, and poise. Before transferring to UConn, she starred at Princeton, where she was named the Ivy League Player of the Year in 2023.
During her time with the Huskies, she contributed meaningfully in a complementary role, averaging 6.9 points, 3.4 assists, and 1.2 steals per game during their national championship campaign. Her heritage as a Taiwanese-American also underscores the Valkyries’ commitment to diversity and global appeal.
Taken together, these three picks illustrate the Valkyries’ intent to build a roster that balances youth, experience, and international flavor. Jocytė offers star potential, Sellers brings proven collegiate production, and Chen delivers intelligence and steady leadership. Each player represents a foundational piece for the team’s identity—one rooted in versatility, defense, and smart basketball.
As the Valkyries prepare to tip off their inaugural season, excitement is already building in the Bay Area. Their preseason debut is set for May 6, 2025, at San Francisco’s Chase Center, where they’ll face the Los Angeles Sparks. The regular season officially opens on May 16, also against the Sparks, in a matchup that promises to ignite a new West Coast rivalry.
With a compelling draft class, a passionate fanbase, and the energy of a brand-new franchise, the Golden State Valkyries are ready to make their mark.
For tickets, news, and more team updates, visit www.valkyries.wnba.com.
