Juste Jocyte reveals first impression of Valkyries before hyped-up debut

SAN FRANCISCO– It’s been less than a week since Lithuanian rookie Juste Jocyte touched down in the Bay Area. And she only has one team practice with the Golden State Valkyries under her belt.

Plus a taste of the Californian famous In-N-Out in the limited time she’s had to explore the Bay– if you believe a burger and some animal fries are a part of the getting-up-to-speed process.

However, the Valkyries’ fifth overall pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft is nearing her highly anticipated debut after redshirting last season in favor of fulfilling her overseas commitments. After Golden State’s Sunday morning practice, Jocyte admitted that she’s a little “scrambled” catching up on the team’s playbook and getting acclimated to her new teammates, but came away impressed by the unselfish nature of the Valkyries’ culture.

“The first thing that stands out is that there’s no egos on this team,” Joctye said. “Everybody just wants everybody to succeed and [hold] each other accountable. That’s the first thing that I noticed and liked. And [I] continue to see them play and cheering for each other, no matter who it is.”

On the flipside, coach Natalie Nakase came away from seeing Jocyte for the first time in-person equally impressed.

“She looked good; she actually picked up a lot of things through film sessions,” Nakase said. “She sat down with Daisy [Feder] and Sydney [Parsons]. And so, just really good, she picked it up off the video, but then now to see her [in practice], she flowed really well.”

How will Juste Jocyte fit in with the Valkyries?

Jocyte’s first team practice was a productive step in integrating Jocyte into the program as the Valkyries prepare for the Connecticut Sun and Indiana Fever this week. When she’ll debut, however, is still up in the air.

While Nakase was happy that Golden State had everyone healthy and participating in practice (minus Iliana Rupert) for the first time this season, she did not express a precise commitment to when Jocyte will make her debut. Jocyte herself seemed a bit skeptical that she’d be able to play tomorrow against the Sun, citing that she had only practiced with the team once, but left the door open for that possibility.

But regardless of when Jocyte debuts, she’ll look to add a much-needed spark to the Valkyries’ offense that ranks last in field goal percentage (39.2%), fifth-worst in points per game (83.6), and is prone to long scoring droughts. As a three-level scorer, highly capable of handling the ball and playmaking, Jocyte has the potential to add another dimension to Golden State’s five-out offense.

For Jocyte, she sees herself becoming a steadying presence for a Valkyrie offense in need of someone to keep things from getting disjointed.

“I think I can bring more calmness,” Jocyte said. “I’m more of a pick-and-roll player. And so, this team is very good in one-on-one isolation plays and spacing out. Me, of course I will have to get used to it. I’m not that type of player fully. I prefer a pick-and-roll, so this would bring a different kind of balance.”

The calmness will be much needed, as when the Valkyrie offense stalls, they tend to resort to contested hand grenades late in the shot clock. As an organizer, especially in the pick-and-roll, Jocyte has the potential to help Golden State avoid those situations.

Valkyries’ Juste Jocyte’s first media availability with the Bay Area media. Her first impressions of the team:

“I feel like the first thing that stands out, there's no egos on this team. Everybody just wants everybody to succeed and holding each other accountable.” pic.twitter.com/GmFO0bYXTd

— Kenzo Fukuda (@kenzofuku) May 24, 2026

Adjusting to the WNBA and the excitement for Juste Jocyte’s debut

The key to realizing that potential will be adjusting to the differences between the WNBA and European basketball. European players often cite the increased physicality in the W as well as the style of play being far less movement-oriented.

However, there are many reasons to believe Jocyte will be able to make that transition. For one, the Valkyries have a very European-friendly system, having built most of their team through scouting the overseas leagues. Players like Gabby Williams, Cecilia Zandalasini, and Janelle Salaun are very familiar with Jocyte’s game, having competed against her in Europe, and should make her transition to the WNBA easier.

Additionally, Jocyte began her professional career at just 13-years-old for the Under-16 Lithuanian team, leading them to the silver medal in the 2019 U16 European Championship. And a year later, she became the youngest player to debut in the Ligue Féminine de Basketball, the top women’s league in France. She has a resume of being ahead of schedule, something the Valkyries valued when they selected her last season.

“It’s just nothing new, it’s a different game, but it’s the same game, you know?” Jocyte said when asked about transitioning to the WNBA. “I’ve been professional for quite some time. And I come here, and I’m a rookie, but for me, the game is still the same.”

It won’t be seamless, and there will definitely be an adjustment period. Especially in an unfamiliar offensive system. But Jocyte remains excited for the opportunity and even more excited to make her debut in front of Ballhalla.

“As a fan last year, it was just a really nice atmosphere to be in,” Jocyte smiled. “And to see a full house every home game, just can’t wait to experience it.”

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