The Golden State Valkyries are preparing for their first season in the WNBA as the league's new expansion franchise. Golden State, the 13th WNBA franchise, already had its expansion draft. However, they can add more talent in the 2025 WNBA Draft. Could TCU women's basketball guard Hailey Van Lith emerge as a quality fit for the Valkyries?
Many experts don't have Van Lith getting selected until later in the first round. She enjoyed a tremendous 2024-25 season with TCU, but Van Lith did struggle in 2022-23 with LSU. There are arguments to be made for and against the Valkyries selecting Van Lith at No. 5 overall.
Why Valkyries should draft Hailey Van Lith
At 23 years old, Van Lith is ready for the WNBA level. There are questions about her WNBA ceiling given her down performance with LSU, but Van Lith made a statement this past season.
She ultimately averaged 17.9 points per game while shooting 45.2 percent from the field and 33.8 percent from beyond the arc. The TCU star also averaged 5.4 assists, 4.6 rebounds and 1.2 steals per outing.
Lith has always displayed signs of potential as a scorer. Even in her down season she still had some big scoring performances. However, Van Lith's improvement has turned her into more of a complete player.
Her previous career-high in assists per game at the college basketball level was 3.6. In 2024-25, as mentioned, she recorded 5.4 assists per contest. Van Lith made a clear effort to get her teammates involved, and she became a more confident passing guard.
A team such as the Valkyries are likely going to struggle for a few years as they adjust to playing in the WNBA. A guard who can score while also getting teammates involved could speed up their overall development process as a franchise, though.
Why Valkyries should avoid Hailey Van Lith with No. 5 overall pick
Van Lith's WNBA ceiling is in question. She could end up being an average player in the league, or she could be a star. There are other players in the draft with more certainty.
Players such as Aneesah Morrow and Shyanne Sellers may emerge as options for Golden State if they are available at No. 5 overall. If a player like Sonia Citron somehow falls to No. 5 the Valkyries may consider selecting her.
Van Lith has a chance to be a star, but drafting her so high in the draft would come with risk.
Final verdict
The Valkyries will need to make a difficult decision. Hailey Van Lith will probably still be available at No. 5 overall. If Golden State believes that she will become a star, then they should select her. If the Valkyries are worried about the uncertainty of her game, though, then going in a different direction would make sense.