The Golden State Valkyries announced a significant roster update as they prepare for a challenging stretch in the season. The team is facing the temporary loss of several players who are representing their countries in the EuroBasket tournament this month, including Janelle Salaun, Julie Vanloo, Cecilia Zandalasini, and Temi Fagbenle.
These absences have created immediate gaps for the Valkyries, who currently hold a 5-5 record during their debut season. To address this, the organization has brought in former Maryland player Chloe Bibby, known for her time playing alongside Angel Reese with the Terrapins, offering her a new opportunity to prove herself.
Chloe Bibby’s Path to a Potential WNBA Breakthrough
Chloe Bibby, standing 6-foot-2, signed a training camp contract with the Valkyries earlier this year but was waived during the final roster cuts. Despite this setback, Bibby has remained determined, and this latest signing could mark her official WNBA debut, possibly as soon as the upcoming game against the Dallas Wings on Tuesday.
Previously, Bibby went undrafted but received a training camp contract with the Minnesota Lynx in 2022. Unfortunately, she did not make the final roster there either, meaning she has yet to play in a regular-season WNBA game.
Successful Collegiate Career Alongside Angel Reese
During her time with the Maryland Terrapins from 2020 to 2022, Bibby averaged 12.5 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 1.3 steals per game. Playing alongside Angel Reese, who later moved on to LSU and the Chicago Sky, Bibby contributed significantly to the team‘s achievements, helping Maryland reach back-to-back NCAA Sweet Sixteen appearances in 2021 and 2022.
Implications of This Signing for the Valkyries and Bibby
This move is critical for the Golden State Valkyries as they seek to maintain competitiveness amid player absences. For Bibby, it represents a crucial second chance to demonstrate her skills and make a lasting impression in the WNBA.
If she takes the court against the Dallas Wings, it will mark the start of a career many have anticipated since her college days alongside Angel Reese, highlighting the significance of this opportunity in her professional journey.