Valkyries putting early focus on guard corps and the ability to defend

San Francisco Chronicle​

29-04-2025

Julie Vanloo went through all of this last year. As a WNBA rookie with the Washington Mystics, she had to adjust to new teammates and a new playing style.
The newness around the Golden State Valkyries isn't as overwhelming for the 32-year-old this time. The Belgian point guard started 34 games with the Mystics and was one of the more surprising unprotected players available in December's expansion draft after showing she could handle the league.
Vanloo knows her strong WNBA debut isn't the best she can do, though, and is looking to grow in her sophomore season as the Valkyries' top point guard.
'I think last year, being new to the league, sometimes I was a bit shy,' she said. 'I want to be aggressive, to score and to pass much more than I was last year. I'm more used to the league now, so I know what to expect. I think I grew a lot last year, I'm very excited to show that and I know I can do better. I know that I'm 32, but I feel like I have a lot of progress still to make.'
The Valkyries' first preseason game is May 6. The season opener is May 16.
Vanloo was seventh in the WNBA assist percentage (30.8) — and that came with a Mystics team that was ninth in the league in scoring. With a potentially multifaceted Valkyries offense that has inside scorers like Temi Fagbenle and Monique Billings who can run and a shooter like Tiffany Hayes, Vanloo could blossom into one of the league's best playmakers.
Vanloo will likely get the first chance to lead the position, but she's not alone in the backcourt. Behind her, two very different options will be pushing for minutes.
Fourth-year guard Veronica Burton carved out a role as a defensive stopper off the bench with Connecticut. She guarded elite scorers like Caitlin Clark and Courtney Williams in the playoffs, which makes her the exact kind of hard-nosed guard head coach Natalie Nakase wants.
'I appreciate a coach who takes a lot of pride on the defensive end,' Burton said. 'It does suit me and my strengths. I want to get after it on both sides of the ball and up the ante on (offense), too, but I know what I can do' on defense.
Burton is in camp with her third team. She was cut in June of her rookie season after Dallas took her with the seventh overall pick in 2022. She signed with Connecticut, where she found a role as the team's backup point guard, defensive leader and a competent offensive option.
Also pushing for minutes is 21-year-old rookie Carla Leite. After Sunday's first day of training camp, Nakase said she was impressed with Leite's basketball IQ in her first WNBA practice. Vanloo has played against her in Europe the past few seasons and also expects the French guard to translate well to the WNBA.
'I've watched Carla Leite for a while now,' Vanloo said. 'I'm excited for her, she's showing she can play (in the WNBA). She can score, nothing she does is surprising me.'
Burton and Leite bring contrasting styles. Burton is a physical defender who thrives on the counterattack. Leite is an emerging offensive talent who can shoot and get to the rim. Together, they should provide the Valkyries depth behind Vanloo. Depending on how Leite adjusts to WNBA-level defense, she could play her way into a bigger role after June's EuroBasket tournament, where she'll represent France.
'We intentionally picked these players because of the skill sets they already have,' Nakase said. 'Putting them together on offense and seeing who flourishes will be the development piece.'
Rookie Shyanne Sellers can play small forward or shooting guard as well, giving her flexibility to get away from the glut of point guards, but Nakase said she's looking for versatility from all of them.
'We're looking for defense. You have to be able to defend,' Nakase said.
Vanloo isn't a poor defender. Her 100.59 defensive rating last year was slightly below average. The Sun had a 94.13 defensive rating when Burton was on the floor last season, second best on a team that was one win from going to the WNBA Finals.
It's possible Vanloo opens games as the steadying force and floor general, while Burton closes them with disruptive defense. One thing is clear: The Valkyries are relying heavily on their guards to set the tone.
'I know I was an old rookie,' Vanloo said. 'I felt like my experience really helped my team last year, and I think this year it's just going to be the same thing, just getting the experience from last year translated into this organization.'