Somewhat uncharacteristically for an expansion team, the Golden State Valkyries are relying heavily on their veterans. Out of the eight players averaging the most minutes for Natalie Nakase’s team, only Veronica Burton and Janelle Salaün are under the age of 25. However, some opportunities for bigger roles will soon open up for the Valkyries’ other young players.
The Valkyries will be without Julie Vanloo, Cecilia Zandalasini, Janelle Salaün, and Temi Fagbenle, who are representing their countries in EuroBasket. Those absences open the doors for Kate Martin, Carla Leite, and the newly-signed Laeticia Amihere, to take on a bigger role and impress the coaching staff.
The Valkyries will be without several key players
Salaün, Zandalasini, Fagbenle, and Vanloo are four of the Valkyries’ key players. Salaün and Fagbenle have started every single game they have played, Zandalasini was inserted into the starting lineup two games ago after dealing with an injury to start the season, and Vanloo is the Valkyries’ backup point guard.
In their absence, the Valkyries will miss a lot of 3-point shooting—Zandalasini and Salaün are two of the team’s best 3-point shooters—playmaking, and size in the paint.
The Valkyries will have to find a way to make up for those absences or risk another lengthy losing streak.
Martin, Leite, and Amihere have a chance to step up for the Valkyries
Martin, Leite, and Amihere are three of the players who will have to step up big during EuroBasket.
Leite should get a chance to fill in for Vanloo as the backup point guard. The 21-year-old played big minutes to start the season but saw her time on the court dwindle recently. With Vanloo gone and a bigger role awaiting, Leite has the perfect opportunity to show why she should be in Nakase’s rotation.
Martin started the season off slowly, scoring little and spending much time on the bench. Then, she had a breakout game against the Minnesota Lynx and scored 12 points in a massive win against her former team. With Salaün and Zandalasini gone, Martin will get a chance to play minutes on the wing, providing defense and 3-point shooting.
Amihere may be the most interesting of the three youngsters simply because Valkyries fans haven’t seen her play in the regular season yet. The 23-year-old forward played well in preseason but ultimately didn’t make the roster. Then, the Valkyries made the surprising decision to waive Kyara Linskens and sign Amihere instead. Amihere will join a team desperate for scoring and size and get the opportunity to make an impact right away.
While the Valkyries may rely heavily on their veterans, they still want to develop the young players on the roster and build for the future. EuroBasket and the absences it will cause offer the perfect opportunity to give some more playing time to younger players.