The Valkyries’ somewhat surprisingly successful inaugural season wasn’t built on the team’s offensive talent or high scoring potential. Golden State only ranked tenth in offensive rating—the worst mark among playoff teams. It was the team’s defense that allowed Natalie Nakase’s squad to find success. The Valkyries assembled a roster of gritty role players that battled hard on defense whether their shots were falling or not.
Shots weren’t falling a lot of times for the Valkyries, but they still managed to compile a 23-21 record and become the first expansion team to go to the playoffs in its first season. The Valkyries’ offense was very reliant on 3-point shooting. They led the league in 3-point attempts with 29.9 per game, but converted only an average of 32.5%. The only teams that shot worse than that were the Sun and Wings.
A successful free agency period should help improve the Valkyries’ offense. Ballhalla is now firmly established as a place some strong free agents should want to play in, and, with most of the league entering free agency, the Valkyries should be able to upgrade the roster. Bringing in their hidden gem should also help boost the Valkyries’ offense. Justé Jocyté just put on a phenomenal 3-point shooting display in Spain. Jocyté was the Valkyries’ first-ever draft pick—a choice that surprised many and caused some fans to wonder why they didn’t choose a more well-known college player. However, Jocyté continues to put together impressive performances for a player as young as she is and to showcase a skill set the Valkyries could definitely use.
Justé Jocyté is preparing for her first WNBA season
Jocyté didn’t join the Valkyries after they drafted her. Instead, the teenager represented Lithuania at EuroBasket and is now in the midst of her first EuroLeague season since the 2023-24 campaign. It should easily be her most productive season yet, as she is a full-time starter and one of Girona’s main scoring options. After that, she is still expected to join the Valkyries.
Jocyté played well in her first EuroLeague game of the season, but struggled against Praha, going 0-6 from the field. On October 19, she put together her best game of the season. She scored 22 points, including five made 3-pointers, grabbed six rebounds, recorded four steals, and dished out seven assists against Joventut in her third game in the Spanish league.
Jocyté’s ability and willingness to shoot threes have been on full display this season. Over five games, she took 32 threes and made 14 of them. Despite being the youngest player on the roster, Jocyté isn’t shy about taking shots. That willingness to shoot threes should allow her to quickly carve out a role in the Valkyries’ offense.
Her accuracy would also be a welcome addition. Over the course of the season, nine Valkyries players attempted an average of at least three 3-pointers, including Chloe Bibby and Julie Vanloo, who were waived from the team. Out of that group, four shot over 40% and one over 35%. There is no guarantee that any of those players will be on next season’s roster, but it seems very likely that the Valkyries will do their best to bring back Iliana Rupert, Cecilia Zandalasini, and Janelle Salaün. Still, adding a young 3-point shooter with star potential to the mix can only help the Valkyries. The only question is how well and how quickly Jocyté’s offensive talent will translate to the WNBA.