She’s got the flash. She’s got the vision. Justė Jocytė might not be the household name just yet in America, but she’s been on draft radars for years, and it’s all heating up now.
With Paige Bueckers almost a lock at No. 1 and chaos expected after that, Jocytė’s unique upside is becoming hard to ignore. With a smooth jumper, international polish, and long-term potential, the 2025 WNBA Draft could have her name called earlier than people expect.
The Next International Star? Justė Jocytė’s Strengths and Draft Stock
If you know hoops, you know Jocytė’s name has been floating around for years — for good reason, too. The Lithuanian phenom has been playing pro ball since she was a literal teenager, and at 6’1″, she’s got size, poise, and that European feel that WNBA scouts drool over.
During the 2024-25 season with LDLC ASVEL Féminin in Lyon, France, she’s averaging 11.9 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 2.8 assists. Solid stuff. What jumps off the page, though, is her 7.8 3-point attempts per 40 minutes, hitting at a 33.9% clip. She’s not just a spot-up shooter, either. Jocytė is pulling up, shooting in rhythm, and keeping defenders guessing.
Her free-throw shooting (80%) also hints at a reliable stroke that’ll only get better. Her game doesn’t scream athletic freak, but there’s craft, there’s IQ, and there’s a ton of untapped upside.
Biggest concern? Finishing inside. She shot just 37.5% on 2-pointers this year. That’s the number teams will circle in red ink. Her driving ability still needs work, and against WNBA-level athletes, things get way more physical. Still, for a team willing to wait it out and develop her, Jocytė could end up being a serious long-term value.
Best Potential Fits for Jocytė in the WNBA Draft
No. 9 – Los Angeles Sparks
The Los Angeles Sparks already pulled off a splash this year by trading for Kelsey Plum. But if they want to stay young and build out that guard rotation, Jocytė is a sneaky-good move.
With Cameron Brink and Rickea Jackson looking like long-term building blocks, the Sparks can afford to bring in a player who might take a minute to find her groove. Jocytė’s high-level experience, smooth off-ball fit, and passing chops make her an ideal complement. Her ceiling may not scream MVP, but she could become a reliable starter or sixth-person spark plug.
No. 12 or 14 – Dallas Wings
Imagine Jocytė getting minutes next to Arike Ogunbowale. That’s spacing, shooting, and a lot of basketball IQ on the floor. And if Dallas takes Bueckers, too, then it looks like the Dallas Wings will fly even higher.
She comes from a basketball family and has been grinding since she was 13. In EuroBasket qualifiers, she dropped 22 points against the reigning champs, Belgium. Dallas may have bigger roster decisions to make, but if Jocytė slips this far, Wings executives would be wise to jump.
Jocytė isn’t going to be the No. 1 pick, but she could still make a team look like geniuses in three years. With that rare mix of youth, vision, and international seasoning, someone’s going to take the leap.