Valkyries Are Stronger Than Ever--and Just in Time for Caitlin Clark, Fever Rematch
Fans at Chase Center welcomed Juste Jocyte, the Valkyries’ first-ever draft pick, with a standing ovation when she checked into the game against the Sun. The rest of the WNBA won’t be quite as thrilled to see her on the court. Jocyte may only be 20 years old and has less than five minutes of WNBA experience, but her potential is sky-high. When the Lithuanian star burst onto the scene in European basketball as a teenager, she was quickly compared to the NBA’s Luka Doncic.
Jocyte joined the Valkyries late because she still had to finish her season in Spain, and Natatalie Nakase said after the game against the Sun that the youngster played limited minutes because she had only practiced with the team twice. Nevertheless, Jocyte hit a mid-range jumper and a 3-pointer, immediately showing off her scoring ability.
Cecilia Zandalasini was also available off the bench, giving the Valkyries yet another big wing who can defend and score on all three levels. When Kayla Thornton went down last season, Zandalasini was often the Valkyries’ go-to scoring option. Losing her to a concussion in the season opener had been a tough blow.
With Zandalasini and Jocyte finally available, the Valkyries are one of the deepest teams in the WNBA. The question, for now, is just whether it will be enough to get revenge on the Fever.
https://www.si.com/onsi/womens-fastbreak/wnba/valkyries-are-stronger-than-ever-and-just-in-time-for-caitlin-clark-fever-rematch-01ksj3nbgvqh