This week has been a big one for the Golden State Valkyries. In addition to signing veteran guard Tiffany Hayes, who Las Vegas Aces protected in last year's Expansion Draft, the team has also continued to fill its roster with prolific European talent.
On Wednesday, the Valkyries announced Janelle Salaün, Kyara Linskens, and Chloe Bibby have all joined the team.
Kyara Linskens brings aggressive playmaking to the Valkyries
Linskens, who hails from the Belgian National Team (just like fellow Valkyrie Julie Vanloo), helped propel her team to a fourth-place finish at the 2022 FIBA World Cup, is known for her aggressive style of play — something that GM Ohemaa Nyanin immediately cited while discussing the decision to draft her.
The 6'4" center also helped lead Belgium to the country's first ever European Championship gold medal.
Janelle Salaün was part of the French National Team at the 2024 Olympics
Salaün is a heavyweight in French basketball, and she was part of the team that won the silver medal at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. Salaün is best known for her defensive prowess, especially her ability to guard all five positions on the court effortlessly.
She is currently playing for Famila Schio in the Italian Serie A1 league, where she's been averaging 14.8 points per game and her 3-point percentage is 37.3%.
"Janelle is a special talent who possesses that rare combination of relentless drive and pure competitiveness," Head Coach Natalie Nakase said in a statement. "She's the type of player who hunts for wins and brings an intensity that cannot be taught. Her mentality and approach to the game make her exactly the type of player we want to build around as we establish our foundation in the league."
Chloe Bibby is one of Europe's best offensive players
The team also recently signed Chloe Bibby, an Australian who currently plays at Uni Girona CB in EuroCup. Bibby is averaging 18 points per game and shooting 47% from the 3-point line so far this season, and there's no reason to believe she won't continue to do so.
Bibby also has experience playing at the collegiate level in the United States, where she spent time at both Mississippi State and Maryland.
GM Ohemaa Nyanin explains what the trio brings to the team
"Kyara's international experience, fast-paced and aggressive style of play, combined with Chloe's versatility and shooting ability, give us two competitors who fit exactly what we're looking for as we build this roster," Nyanin said of the three new additions. "They both understand what we're building and are ready to help establish something special."