The Golden State Valkyries stunned WNBA draft watchers by passing on fan favorite Hailey Van Lith selecting Lithuania’s Juste Jocyte with the fifth-overall pick. Social media erupted immediately, with one fan lamenting they “could have saved for round 2” while others celebrated the 19-year-old international prospect as “our female Curry” and “our Luka.”
The unexpected selection highlights the expansion team’s global vision but leaves many questioning the decision to pass on Van Lith’s proven collegiate success and marketability. As the Valkyries build their inaugural roster, this bold move signals their willingness to prioritize long-term potential over immediate name recognition in a critical first draft.
Was the Valkyries’ Pick a Gamble or Strategic?
Juste Jocyte brings an impressive professional pedigree despite her youth, having played for ASVEL Féminin in France’s top league since age 14. The 6-foot versatile guard averaged 11.9 points while shooting 35% from three-point range in the 2024-25 season.
Her experience representing Lithuania in EuroBasket qualifiers, where she averaged 17 points per game, showcases a maturity beyond typical draftees.
With the 5th pick in the 2025 #WNBADraft, we select… Juste Jocyte. ✨🪽
Welcome to the Bay, Juste! Let’s get to work.@carmax | Golden State Valkyries Draft pic.twitter.com/zusrMYO7lk
— Golden State Valkyries (@valkyries) April 15, 2025
“She’s been on pro radars since she was 15 now she’s ready for the W,” wrote one fan defending the pick. “A true combo guard with advanced reads and that cool under-pressure, Jocyte gives Golden State a future star to build around.”
The selection polarized basketball followers across social media platforms.
“Aneesah was RIGHT THERE!!!!!” lamented one fan, referencing another highly touted prospect passed over. Others expressed confusion, “WHO IS THAT???” suggested both surprise and skepticism about the international selection.
Van Lith supporters voiced clear disappointment. “Was hoping for Van Lith,” admitted one fan, while another noted more bluntly, “DUDE, HVL WAS RIGHT THERE.”
Meanwhile, defenders of the pick emerged to educate critics about Jocyte’s credentials. “Y’all, Juste Jocyte is really, really good. She’s been playing professionally since she was 14 years old! Just say you only know American players,” wrote one supporter.
2025 WNBA Draft Ultimate Guide to Watching Live: Time, TV Channel, and Streaming Options
Some fans embraced the potential upside, with one stating, “Juste Jocyte = Female Luka Doncic + Stephen Curry.” This passionate divide illustrates the significant challenges facing the new franchise as it attempts to simultaneously build a competitive roster and cultivate an engaged fanbase in the basketball-savvy Bay Area market.
For general manager Ohemaa Nyanin and coach Natalie Nakase, this selection aligns with their demonstrated comfort with international talent. The Valkyries appear focused on versatile players who fit their planned three-point-heavy offensive system.
The true verdict on this selection won’t come immediately. As the league’s newest franchise with an average roster age of 27, Golden State may be planning for later rather than 2025.
Whether fans embrace Jocyte as their franchise cornerstone or continue questioning the decision to pass on Van Lith remains one of the most intriguing storylines as the Valkyries prepare for their debut season.
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