The Golden State Valkyries are the latest side to make their way into the WNBA league. With the league starting to gain more viewership than ever, GSW Sports LLC acquired the Golden State Valkyries as a new entity. Led by Joe Lacob and Peter Guber, they are the same ownership group that has taken the Golden State Warriors to new heights in the NBA. Now, a lot rides on them to shape their WNBA franchise. And the journey formally starts from the 2025 Draft as the Golden State Valkyries WNBA Draft Picks will set the future course for the roster.
Head coach Natalie Nakase and General Manager Ohemma Nyanin have set their sights on a few top college basketball athletes from this year. They will look to have their own Indiana Fever moment, similar to last year’s draft, which set the franchise up for decades with the right pick. Let’s break down crucial details revolving around the Valkyries’ draft opportunity.
Also Read: How Many Rounds Is the WNBA Draft? 2025 WNBA Draft Rounds, Picks and TV Channel
The Golden State Valkyries have three picks from the 2025 WNBA Draft. In the first round, they have a 5th overall pick and are likely to land a rookie with a high ceiling that would shape their future seasons. Moreover, the Valkyries have 17th and 30th picks as well to compliment their newfound roster.
The first round of the WNBA draft has 12 players coming in, while the second and third round has 13 players each. Overall, 38 players are expected to be picked by the 13 WNBA franchises at Monday’s draft event in New York’s Manhattan.
Kate Martin’s draft story? Instant classic.@carmax | Golden State Valkyries Draft pic.twitter.com/PBx3DrPSpQ
— Golden State Valkyries (@valkyries) April 3, 2025
Head coach Natalie Nakase and General Manager Ohemma Nyanin have together assembled a side with plenty of veterans. Their strategy has been clear – hit the ground running. Echoing the stance before the draft, Natalie Nakase suggested that the franchise is looking for competitors who are ready to step in and contribute immediately.
With the Golden State Valkyries having a number 5 draft pick, the most realistic name is Aneesah Morrow. The LSU Tigers’ power forward had a breakout NCAA season, averaging 18.7 PPG and 13.5 RPG (nation’s leading rebounder). She also became the Katrina McClain Award winner, proposed by the Basketball Hall of Fame.
The double-double standard 📊
— WNBA (@WNBA) April 11, 2025
Aneesah Morrow is one of just two players in D-I history with 100+ double-doubles and led the nation twice in rebounds per game this season. She’s a 3x AP All-American and won the Katrina McClain Award as the nation’s top power forward in 2025. At… pic.twitter.com/xshgPIeqTD
With names like Paige Bueckers, Kiki Iriafen, Hailey Van Lith expected to come early in the draft, Golden State Valkyries has the most realistic opportunity to land Aneesah Morrow as a fifth pick. The General Manager also revealed that they are looking to strengthen the power forward position, which solidifies the case of Aneesah Morrow to the Golden State Valkyries.
Apart from her, another name making rounds within the Valkyries’ camp is Juste Jocyte. The 19-year-old Lithuanian international is still raw but has contributed significantly while playing for Lyon in France. Juste Jocyte has averaged 11.9 PPG, 3.2 RPG, and 2.8 APG this season.
Also Read: 2025 WNBA Draft – What is the WNBA Draft Order for 2025?
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