NFL
By: Ashmere Prasad
June 30 – San Francisco
Julie Vanloo just experienced the wildest 24 hours. After winning the Eurobasket championship with Belgium on Sunday, she traveled 18 hours back to the Bay Area on Monday, only to find out she was released from the Golden State Valkyries.
Vanloo was a part of the original roster and left to participate in Eurobasket on behalf of Belgium on June 10. She shared photos of Chase Center on her Instagram, excited for her arrival. A few taps later, she posted a photo, finding out she was waived from the team with this caption:
“Literally just touched down in the Bay. I need some time to process all of this man and put my feels into words,” Vanloo said in an Instagram story post. “I can’t right now.”
Losing Vanloo was a surprise to fans as she was a key player in their second unit. Vanloo was known for her efficiency with the ball in her hand and ability to drive to the basket.
Golden State’s roster is at the max with 12 players, and Kaitlyn Chen made the cut, for now. Fans were ecstatic when Chen returned to the roster and have hopes she can stay long term.
She has made an impact the last few games, especially in Friday night’s matchup against the Chicago Sky, she was in the closing lineup with the starters. Chen hustles on defense and puts it all out on the floor, two of Nakase’s favorite characteristics.
The Valkyries also announced they waived Chloe Bibby and Bree Hall. Although Hall didn’t get much playing time head coach Natalie Nakase shared she always had a smile on her face and she was ready to play.
When Bibby entered the floor she would immediately make an impact and hit a dagger three when the Valkyries needed an energy boost. She played significant minutes during her five games with the team and shot 42.1% from the arc. She will be a great addition to any team looking to add a big with shooting ability.
The Valkyries announced Janelle Salaün and Cecilia Zandalasini have been re-activated following their participation in Eurobasket. Salaün led the French National Team to a fourth-place finish at the tournament, averaging a team-high 15.0 points per game.
Zandalasini earned TISSOT All Star Five honors after posting 16.8 points, 6.0 rebounds and 3.0 assists per game for the Italian National team, who placed third in FIBA Women’s EuroBasket. (Valkyries PR)
