Who Is Iliana Rupert – And Who Might Be Cut to Make Room on the GSV Valkyries?

The Golden State Valkyries (GSV), the newest WNBA franchise, are preparing to welcome a key player to their roster — Iliana Rupert, a talented French center known for her stretch-five skillset. But to bring her on board, the team must waive someone from their current lineup. This move is creating buzz among fans and analysts as they try to predict who might be let go.

Who Is Iliana Rupert?

Iliana Rupert, 23, is a 6-foot-4 center from France. She has played professionally across Europe and in the WNBA. Rupert is especially known for her ability to shoot from long range — a rare trait for a traditional center — making her a valuable stretch five.

She recently played a key role in France’s run at EuroBasket 2025, where she impressed with a 50% success rate from three-point range and finished third in overall efficiency. Despite France losing a heartbreaking semifinal to Spain, Rupert stood out as one of the best performers in the tournament.

Career Highlights

• 2021: Drafted in the 1st round by the Las Vegas Aces

• 2022: Played her rookie season with the Aces

• 2023: Played for the Atlanta Dream, alongside Monique Billings and Laeticia Amihere

• 2024: Took a break from the WNBA to prepare for the Paris Olympics

• 2025: Played EuroBasket and is now set to join Golden State Valkyries

Iliana comes from a basketball family. Her father, Thierry Rupert, played for the French national team, and her younger brother, Rayan Rupert, currently plays in the NBA for the Portland Trail Blazers.

Is She Really Coming?

Yes. Rupert’s arrival has been confirmed by her agent, Omar Bendjador, and by Rupert herself in a French interview. She said she will join the Valkyries around July 15, after completing personal commitments in France — including her civil wedding.

According to WNBA sources and French media, Rupert delayed her travel slightly due to these personal events but is expected to land in San Francisco early next week.

GSV’s coach Natalie Nakase, who previously worked with Rupert at the Aces, expressed excitement about adding her to the roster but remained tight-lipped about which player would be waived to make space.

Who Will Be Waived to Make Room?

The Valkyries already have 12 players, the WNBA’s maximum roster size. To add Rupert, they must waive someone. Here’s the current roster:

1. Kayla Thornton

2. Veronica Burton

3. Janelle Salaün

4. Temi Fagbenle

5. Tiffany Hayes

6. Cecilia Zandalasini

7. Monique Billings

8. Kaitlyn Chen

9. Laeticia Amihere

10. Kate Martin

11. Stephanie Talbot

12. Carla Leite

Based on minutes played, contract status, and performance, the players most likely on the waiver bubble include:

🟠 Stephanie Talbot

• Pros: Veteran experience, versatile forward

• Cons: Last in true shooting %, lowest rebounding among forwards, high turnover rate

• Contract: Unrestricted free agent. Guaranteed salary even if waived

• Overlap: Skills similar to Thornton and Zandalasini

🟠 Kaitlyn Chen

• Rookie point guard

• Was considered a possible cut early on, but now plays solid backup minutes

• Important especially after Julie Vanloo was waived

• Offers reliability and calm ball-handling

🟠 Laeticia Amihere

• Athletic, post presence, good size and scoring

• Valuable backup for Billings

• May need more development time

🟠 Kate Martin

• Undersized forward but tough defender

• Can switch onto bigs and maintain pace

• Valuable glue player off the bench

🟠 Carla Leite

• Talented but injured

• GSV owns her rights for two more years

• Known for quick drives and aggressive style

Strategic Analysis

Iliana Rupert brings a skill set the Valkyries desperately need: floor spacing from the center position. The team is currently last in the WNBA in 3-point shooting (just 28.7%). Her presence could open up driving lanes and reduce defensive pressure on players like Hayes and Salaün.

From a business standpoint, waiving Talbot makes the most sense. She’s underperforming and the team doesn’t control her future rights. But surprises can happen — the recent Julie Vanloo cut was unexpected and proves the front office is willing to make bold moves.

Coach Nakase values role players who follow instructions, keep the offense steady, and contribute defensively. That may favor keeping players like Chen and Martin.

Final Thoughts

Iliana Rupert is a rising star with international pedigree. Her addition to the Golden State Valkyries could be a turning point for the team’s season — especially if she adapts quickly to WNBA play. The mystery of who will be waived adds drama, but it’s clear that the franchise is serious about building a contender from the ground up.

Expect a final roster move before July 15, when Rupert is expected to suit up in GSV black and gold.