On Saturday afternoon, the Golden State Valkyries introduced they’d waived guard Shyanne Sellers.
Stunning Information out of the WNBA
The information is head-scratching after Golden State chosen Sellers No. 17 general within the 2025 WNBA Draft. Of their inaugural draft as an growth franchise, the Valkyries moreover drafted Justé Jocyté (Lithuania) No. 5 and Kaitlyn Chen (UConn) No. 30 general. It was shocking to a number of basketball analysts that Sellers fell out of the primary spherical within the draft.
The transfer comes after every week full of coaching camp, and the Valkyries’ first pre-season sport on Might 6 in opposition to the Los Angeles Sparks. To be waived by an growth group, is a bit peculiar to say the least.
The choice by Golden State shocked basketball followers throughout social media, particularly since Sellers was initially tabbed as an early first-round decide. Within the 2025 WNBA Ballislife mock draft, our employees writers chosen Sellers going as early as No. 6 to the Washington Mystics.
In accordance with ESPN’s Kendra Andrews, the Valkyries’ head coach had extra to say concerning the current transfer.
“She picked up the whole lot we requested her to, did the whole lot that we requested. It’s simply that I’ve to decide on the most effective 12 which are going to suit. Doesn’t imply it’s probably the most gifted, it means it’s the most effective 12.”
—Kendra Andrews, ESPN
Shyanne Sellers Was a Standout at Maryland
A four-year standout out from Maryland, the previous Terrapin averaged 12.9 factors, 4.6 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and 1.5 steals in 120 profession video games. A profession 34.6 p.c shooter from past the arc, Sellers shot a career-high 40.8 p.c from the 3-point line her senior 12 months. Three-time First-Workforce All-Huge Ten Sellers was named Huge Ten All-Freshman in 2022. Moreover, the Ohio native was named All-Huge Ten Defensive her junior 12 months.
Sellars joins Alyssa Thomas, Shakira Austin, Kristi Toliver, and Brionna Jones (amongst a number of others) as one of many all-time greats to play for the Outdated Line State. Sellers completed her collegiate profession ranked third on the all time Terrapins help listing, and No. 12 general in scoring.
Though she had handled a sprained PCL in opposition to Texas in January, Sellers led the Terrapins to the NCAA Event in all 4 years. An integral a part of Maryland’s Candy 16 run, the Terrapins conceded to the South Carolina, 71-67 within the third spherical. In what is taken into account probably the most memorable video games in NCAA ladies’s basketball historical past, Maryland defeated Alabama 111–108 in double time beyond regulation.
Talking of the knee harm, Kareem Copeland of The Washington Submit reported Saturday night that ‘Sellers handed medical exams’ each after leaving Maryland and earlier than signing with the Valkyries. Copeland additionally famous that the harm was not a consider Golden State’s determination to waive Sellers
Report: Well being Was Not a Issue within the Valkyries’ Determination to Waive Shyanne Sellers
The Terrapins have been capable of overcome a 17 level deficit due to Sellers 28-point efficiency. Having shot 8-20 from the sector, Sellers completed 3-8 from past the arc, and 9-9 from the charity stripe.
It was Sellers clutch seven fourth quarter factors that propelled the matchup into time beyond regulation. In a forwards and backwards offensive shootout with Alabamas’ Sarah Ashlee Barker, Sellers had 9 factors alone in two time beyond regulation durations.
By way of three NCAA event video games, Sellers averaged 16.7 factors, 4.3 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 1.3 steals. Taking part in a mean of 37.5 minutes, Sellers struggled mightly from the sector—capturing 34.1 p.c from the sector, and 23.1 p.c from downtown.
Set to enter their first WNBA season, the Valkyries are to be led by Tiffany Hayes, Kayla Thornton, Temi Fagbenle, Kate Martin, and Julie Vanloo (simply to call a couple of). Though lacking a bona fide star, a number of consultants tabbed Sellers as a well-liked franchise level guard.
Recognized for her defensive prowess, Sellers has distinctive guard top and flexibility at 6 foot 2 inches. Capable of rating in quite a lot of methods, Sellers is a pure born playmaker.
Given there are a slim 156 roster spots within the WNBA, groups are destined to make cuts this week. Though the method has already begun, this was not an anticipated transfer. With that stated groups have till Might 15 to finalize and trim their rosters.
Though Sellers has but to participate in preseason motion, she’s destined to land on a WNBA roster. In spite of everything, it is not the draft quantity, however the place it is sensible. Whereas there’s not a transparent clarification for the choice, she merely could match higher elsewhere.
Under are the groups that would finest use Sellers’ companies whereas additionally creating her and giving the standout one other alternative.
Washington Mystics
The Washington Mystics obtained devastating information this week after No.6 general decide Georgia Amoore is out for the 2026 with an ACL harm. Given Amoore and Sellers have been among the many strongest level guards and facilitators within the draft, the Mystics might use her companies.
Having drafted three first-round picks within the draft (Amoore, Kiki Iriafen, Sonia Citron), newly employed GM Jamila Wideman is clearly dedicated to the rebuild. With Brittney Sykes, Sonia Citron, and Jade Melbourne within the backcourt, what higher place for Sellers? She will be able to make an instantaneous impression behind Slim on the level. After 22 turnovers of their first pre-season sport in opposition to the Fever, it is clear the Mystics lack facilitating.
New York Liberty
This can be a lengthy shot, nevertheless, New York Liberty GM Jonathan Kolb introduced Saturday acknowledged Betnijah Laney’s contract is ‘more likely to be suspended’ following a knee harm (Geoff Magliochetti, Ballislife/ SI All Knicks).
With that announcement would open up one roster spot for New York. New York is stacked within the backcourt with Sabrina Ionescu and Natasha Cloud. Nevertheless, second 12 months guard Jaylyn Sherrod continues to battle for a roster spot. Is it doable the defending champs take an opportunity on a rookie? In spite of everything, they gave up their first-round decide to the Connecticut Solar, in change for Natasha Cloud.
Connecticut Solar
The Connecticut Solar stole the present by drafting Aneesha Morrow Saniya Rivers no.7 and no. 8 within the 2025 WNBA Draft. Though the Solar have Marina Mabrey, Lindsay Allen, and Jacy Sheldon, and Rivers within the backcourt, why not take an opportunity on Sellers? If Connecticut made this transfer, that may have three potential first-round expertise’s on the roster.
The Suns imploded within the offseason, unloading their gifted roster. They don’t have anything to lose, and are in clear rebuild mode below newly signed head coach Rachid Meziane.
This story is all too widespread within the WNBA. With so few groups and restricted roster spots, being a first-round draft decide sadly doesn’t assure a spot on a roster. That stated, we hope Sellers will discover the appropriate group to match her wants and showcase her abilities. Because of this the growth and elevated visibility of the WNBA stay critically necessary!
Keep tuned for extra WNBA associated articles.
Sara Jane Gamelli is a full-time Author, Journalist, Content material Creator, Managing Editor, and Supervisor for Ballislife Bets. She has a concentrate on the NBA, WNBA, NCAA Basketball, and the NFL. Sara Jane at the moment resides within the Connecticut/NYC space together with her Cat and Canine. SJ has her undergraduate diploma from the College of Connecticut in Economics, with a minor in enterprise administration.
