Golden State Valkyries’ Draft FocusThe 2025 WNBA season will welcome the league’s 13th team, the Golden State Valkyries. Before selecting new college players, the Valkyries participated in the 2024 WNBA Expansion Draft two weeks ago. Here are the players they selected:
Player | Former Team
Iliana Rupert, C | Atlanta Dream
Maria Conde, F | Chicago Sky
Veronica Burton, G | Connecticut Sun
Carla Leite, PG | Dallas Wings
Temi Fagbenle, C | Indiana Fever
Kate Martin, G | Las Vegas Aces
Stephanie Talbot, F | Los Angeles Sparks
Cecilia Zandalasini, F | Minnesota Lynx
Kayla Thornton, F | New York Liberty
Monique Billings, F | Phoenix Mercury
Julie Vanloo, G | Washington Mystics
With their roster beginning to take shape, it’s clear that head coach Natalie Nakase and general manager Ohemaa Nyanin are building a team focused on championship experience. Four of their picks — Fagbenle, Zandalasini (Lynx 2017), Rupert (Aces 2022), and Thornton (Liberty 2024) — have WNBA championship experience.
“Having championship experience is vital,” Nakase said after the draft. “You’ve been in those big moments, big locker room meetings, and intense practices. That experience is crucial as we build our team. We have a goal and want to get there with the right players and the right mindset.”
Nyanin added, “Our goal was to construct a roster that embodies versatility, depth, leadership, defense, and scoring ability. These players were chosen not just for their skills but for their fit within the culture we’re building here at Golden State.”
3 WNBA Draft Prospects for the Valkyries
1. Lauren Betts, C, UCLA
Finding a franchise center in the WNBA Draft is rare, but Lauren Betts could be that player for the Valkyries. After transferring from Stanford, she has developed into a dominant presence at UCLA.
This season, Betts is averaging 19.8 points, 10 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 2.2 blocks per game while shooting 63% from the field. If she’s available at No. 5, the Valkyries should consider her a top choice due to her two-way versatility and post-scoring ability.
2. Hailey Van Lith, G, TCU
Hailey Van Lith has had a rollercoaster college career, with highs at Louisville and struggles at LSU. However, she’s thriving at TCU, having one of her best seasons yet.
Van Lith averages 19.5 points, 6.2 assists (a career-best), and 1.6 steals per game. Her NCAA Tournament and international experience make her a valuable prospect. Adding a recognizable player like Van Lith could also help build the team’s fan base.
3. Te-Hina Paopao, G, South Carolina
If the Valkyries want championship pedigree, Te-Hina Paopao is an ideal pick. After winning a national championship with South Carolina, she has solidified herself as one of the best 3-point shooters in the draft, hitting 43% from deep.
Paopao has also improved defensively since transferring from Oregon. While some projections place her just outside the top five, her leadership, shooting, and experience make her a great fit for Golden State’s long-term vision.
With these three prospects, the Valkyries could further strengthen their roster and set themselves up for success in their inaugural season.
