The Golden State Valkyries Make WNBA Draft History with Bold No. 5 Pick
Welcome to the WNBA, Valkyries! And what an entrance.
Monday evening marked a milestone that’ll forever be etched into the history books of women’s professional basketball. The Golden State Valkyries, the WNBA’s newest franchise, stepped into the spotlight for their first-ever draft appearance—and they did not disappoint.
Now let’s talk about that moment. You could feel the buzz. Fans were glued to their screens, social media was popping, and you just knew this wasn’t going to be just another draft night. As the Dallas Stars confidently picked UConn’s superstar guard Paige Bueckers with the No. 1 overall pick, all eyes shifted just a few slots down the board to see what the Valkyries had planned.
And boom—with the No. 5 overall pick, the Valkyries selected 19-year-old Lithuanian guard Justė Jocytė, making her the first player ever drafted in Golden State Valkyries franchise history.
Who is Justė Jocytė? Let’s Dive In:
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Age: 19
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Height: 6-foot-2
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Position: Guard
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Hometown: Born in Washington D.C., raised in Lithuania
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Pro Debut: At age 14 in the Women’s EuroLeague
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Current Team: Lyon ASVEL (France)
Yeah, you read that right—she made her professional debut at just 14 years old. That’s not just impressive, that’s unheard of.
A Teenage Phenom with International Pedigree
Jocytė’s journey is nothing short of a global basketball fairy tale. Though born in the United States, her roots and development in Lithuania shaped her into one of Europe’s most polished young guards. By age 13, she was already turning heads on the international stage, representing Lithuania in both the Under-16 and Under-18 national squads.
Let that sink in—by the time most teens are figuring out high school lockers, she was already battling it out against the best of the best in Europe.
And if you think she’s just a flash in the pan, think again. Jocytė has been balling out with Lyon ASVEL in France’s top-tier league—the La Boulangère Wonderligue—since 2019. That’s five years of professional experience before ever touching a WNBA court. That kind of résumé? It speaks volumes.
Star Power All Around
Another fun detail? Just three picks before the Valkyries made their selection, Jocytė’s Lyon ASVEL teammate, Dominique Malonga, went No. 2 overall to the Seattle Storm. That’s two international stars from the same team going top five in the WNBA draft. Lyon ASVEL must’ve been popping champagne that night.
Malonga and Jocytė built serious chemistry overseas, and while they won’t be suiting up together stateside (at least not yet), it adds an extra layer of intrigue for fans who follow international women’s hoops.
Why Jocytė Makes Sense for the Valkyries
The Valkyries had a lot of options on the table at No. 5, but this pick shows they’re not just thinking short-term. They’re going international, forward-thinking, and betting on upside—and Jocytė fits that mold perfectly.
Here’s what she brings to the table:
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Elite Court Vision: Her basketball IQ is way beyond her years. She sees plays developing before they happen.
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Pro-Level Poise: Having already competed against grown professionals since her early teens, pressure doesn’t faze her.
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Combo Guard Flexibility: She can run the offense or slide into a scoring role when needed. That versatility is gold.
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Length and Size: At 6’2”, she brings height to the guard position that can disrupt opposing matchups.
Let’s be honest—this is the kind of foundational pick a new franchise dreams of. It’s not just about making a splash; it’s about building an identity.
A Glimpse of the Future
The Valkyries are clearly looking to the future while creating a team culture that blends domestic talent with international flavor. Picking Jocytė is a bold move—and that’s exactly what expansion teams need to do to stand out in a highly competitive league.
And think about the marketing power here too. A multilingual, multinational, teenage prodigy? That’s not just basketball appeal, that’s global brand potential. She already has fans from Lithuania to France, and now she’s about to light it up in the Bay Area. Smart business. Smart basketball.
The Bigger Picture for the WNBA
This draft class, headlined by Paige Bueckers and boosted by international talent like Jocytė and Malonga, feels like a turning point for the league. Teams are thinking global. They’re reaching across borders and betting big on young stars who’ve proven they can hang with the pros.
For the WNBA, it means more diversity, more fanbases, and more eyes on the product. And with expansion teams like the Valkyries making big plays right out of the gate, the league is clearly in growth mode.
The Bay Area Just Got a Whole Lot More Exciting
Golden State already knows how to build dynasties (shoutout to the Warriors), and now the Valkyries are looking to write their own legacy from scratch. And let’s be real—what better way to kick off a franchise than drafting one of the most exciting young international players available?
Fans in the Bay, get ready. You're about to witness the rise of a new hoops icon. And the best part? This is just the beginning.
Key Takeaways
🟣 Golden State Valkyries made history with their first-ever WNBA draft pick
🌍 Selected Lithuanian prodigy Justė Jocytė at No. 5 overall
🏀 Pro debut at 14, played five years in Europe, starred with Lyon ASVEL
🔥 Teammate of No. 2 overall pick Dominique Malonga
👀 One to watch: versatile guard with serious international flair
In a league that’s leveling up faster than ever, the Valkyries have just added a serious weapon to their arsenal. Keep your eyes on Justė Jocytė—she’s got next, and then some.
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