Golden State Valkyries Make Historic Draft Selection of Justė Jocytė

SAN FRANCISCO — The Golden State Valkyries have made franchise history by selecting Justė Jocytė of Lithuania with the fifth overall pick in the WNBA draft on April 14, 2025.

Jocytė, a 19-year-old point guard, has garnered attention as one of the most intriguing prospects in this year’s draft after an impressive season in France’s top women’s league, the Ligue Féminine de Basketball. She averaged 12.7 points, 2.7 assists and 1.8 steals per game while shooting 35% from three-point range for Lyon ASVEL.

The Valkyries identified a clear need for a dynamic point guard capable of creating offensive opportunities for both herself and her teammates. According to the team’s management, Jocytė’s scoring potential was exemplified by a standout 22-point performance against Belgium in the EuroBasket qualifiers.

“She’s incredibly versatile and can play any guard position,” said Valkyries head coach. “Her effectiveness in pick-and-roll situations showcases her toughness and fundamental skills, which are impressive for her age.”

The Valkyries are set to launch their inaugural WNBA season on May 16 when they face off against the Los Angeles Sparks at Chase Center, which also hosts the Golden State Warriors. Both teams share ownership under Joe Lacob.

This expansion marks the first addition to the WNBA since 2008. In a notable turn, Paige Bueckers was selected first overall by the Dallas Wings and is being hailed for her potential to be a generational player in the league.

Bueckers, a 5-foot-11 guard from Hopkins, Minnesota, was the 2021 AP Player of the Year and a three-time AP All-American, celebrating a national championship victory with the UConn Huskies. Her selection has been a focal point of this year’s draft, as teams look to build their franchises around emerging talent.

The upcoming season promises excitement for fans, with the Valkyries aiming to forge their identity in a competitive league while relying on the promising skills of their new draft pick, Justė Jocytė.

This story will be updated as the season progresses.