The 2025 WNBA Draft didn’t just mark a new era for the league—it marked the beginning of something bigger for the Bay. With the fifth overall pick, the expansion team Golden State Valkyries shook up the basketball world by selecting 19-year-old Lithuanian phenom Justė Jocytė. While most casual fans might not have her name memorized yet, real hoop heads know what kind of statement this pick makes—not just for the franchise, but for the global growth of the game.
Let’s break down who Justė Jocytė is, how she’s been built for the pros since day one, and why her move to the Bay Area might just be one of the most exciting storylines of the 2025 WNBA season.
From Klaipėda to Stardom: Justė’s Roots in Lithuania
Born in Klaipėda, Lithuania, in 2005, Justė Jocytė was literally raised on basketball. Her father Dainius Jocytis is a former professional player and youth coach, so hoops were always part of the family DNA. By the time she was 10, Justė was already being labeled a prodigy in Lithuanian youth circuits.
Unlike many American players who come up through the AAU and college ranks, Jocytė’s journey to the pros took a very European route. She made her debut in the Lithuanian women’s league at just 13 years old, and by 14, she was already dominating older competition. Her advanced feel for the game, high basketball IQ, and natural scoring instincts made it clear—this wasn’t your average teenager.
But it wasn’t just her game that stood out. Her poise, maturity, and leadership were already at pro levels. In 2019, at age 14, she dropped 19 points in her EuroLeague Women debut for Lyon ASVEL—making her the youngest player in EuroLeague history to score in a game. That kind of early spotlight? She didn’t just survive it—she thrived in it.
A EuroLeague Standout Before She Could Legally Drive in the U.S.
While most American teenagers were worrying about getting their driver’s license or SAT scores, Justė Jocytė was hooping against some of the best pros in Europe. After a brief stint with Lyon in France (a club co-owned by Tony Parker), she returned to Lithuania to continue building her résumé with BC Neptūnas and later Vilnius Kibirkštis.
Over the past two years, Jocytė has developed into one of the most polished young guards in Europe. She’s got the full bag—handle, footwork, shooting touch, and the kind of court vision that turns average plays into viral highlights. She’s drawn comparisons to Diana Taurasi, Marine Johannès, and even a young Dražen Petrović.
Statistically, she’s been a force:
- Averaged 15.2 PPG, 5.6 RPG, and 4.1 APG in the Lithuanian Women’s Basketball League (LMKL)
- Shot over 40% from three in back-to-back seasons
- Ranked top five in efficiency rating among all players under 21 in the EuroCup Women
She also has big-game experience with the Lithuanian national team, representing the country in U16 and U18 FIBA competitions and holding her own against powerhouse nations like Spain, France, and Serbia.
Why the Golden State Valkyries Are Betting Big on Jocytė
Golden State could have played it safe. They could’ve gone with a more known name in the American college system. But instead, they doubled down on vision—both literally and metaphorically.
At 6’0”, Jocytė is a combo guard with a silky jumper, elite decision-making, and underrated toughness. She fits perfectly with the Valkyries’ long-term strategy of building a versatile, international-style roster in one of the most culturally diverse regions in the world.
Here’s what makes her the ultimate Valkyrie pick:
- Basketball IQ beyond her years
- Positionless potential – Can run the point or play off the ball
- Fluent in multiple languages, which reflects her global mindset
- Huge social media following in Europe – major marketing upside
The WNBA has long been a pipeline for international stars, but Jocytė represents a new generation—one that’s grown up watching YouTube highlights of WNBA legends, breaking down film on Instagram, and training with pro-level coaches since age 12. She’s part of the wave that isn’t coming to America to “adjust”—she’s coming to take over.
What Justė Jocytė Brings to the Bay Area
Let’s be real—the Bay has been starving for a WNBA team. With Oracle Arena’s echoes still lingering and the Warriors’ dynasty transitioning, the Valkyries arrive at the perfect time to capture a new wave of fans. And with Jocytė, they’re not just getting a basketball player—they’re getting a cultural moment.
She brings a refreshing blend of old soul meets modern game. Think: Pau Gasol’s humility with Sabrina Ionescu’s vision. She’s not the loudest player in the gym, but she’s always the smartest—and usually the most skilled.
Fans can expect:
- Crafty pick-and-roll reads
- Deep range shooting
- Locked-in perimeter defense
- A calm, composed demeanor under pressure
She’s also the kind of player who builds chemistry fast. If the Valkyries build a core of young talent around her, we could be looking at the blueprint for the next great WNBA franchise.
The Bigger Picture: A Global Game Getting Even Bigger
Justė Jocytė’s draft selection is more than just a headline—it’s a signal. The WNBA is evolving, and international talent is no longer a novelty. It’s a necessity. Players like Jocytė aren’t coming in behind the curve—they’re redefining it.
With the Golden State Valkyries, the WNBA is adding an expansion team that’s forward-thinking, brand-savvy, and rooted in one of the most basketball-obsessed regions in the world. And by selecting Jocytė, they’re putting their trust in a player who’s already proven she can handle the weight of expectation—at every level.
The Valkyries Didn’t Just Draft a Player—They Drafted a Vision
In the coming months, Jocytė will be tested by the W’s pace, physicality, and talent pool. But if her track record means anything, it’s that she’s ready. And the Bay? It’s about to meet a new kind of hooper—smart, global, and built for the moment.
Justė Jocytė isn’t just the future of Lithuanian basketball. She might just be the future of the WNBA.