Did Valkyries cross paths with their top pick at WNBA All-Star Game?

PHOENIX — The Golden State Valkyries still don’t know where they will pick in the 2025 collegiate draft or when they will get that information, but there is a good chance they met with one of their prospective selections over the weekend at the All-Star Game.

While members of the Valkyries’ front office — President Jess Smith, general manager Ohemaa Nyanin, and vice president of basketball operations Vanja Cernivec — spent the weekend in Phoenix, so did many players who are likely to be top selections in next year’s draft.

When the Atlanta Dream entered the league in 2008, they picked No. 4. When the Chicago Sky were added in 2006, they also didn’t receive the first pick, slotted instead at No. 6.

WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert wouldn’t comment on how that might work for the Valkyries as the lone expansion club in 2025, but it is likely they will pick somewhere in the top five.

UConn guard Paige Bueckers and Stanford-turned-USC forward Kiki Iriafen are next year’s projected top picks. Both sat courtside during the league’s skills competition and the All-Star Game between the WNBA All-Stars and U.S. Women’s National Team.




https://www.sfchronicle.com/sports/article/valkyries-wnba-draft-all-star-game-19587273.php