Can a young talent, with roots in Hungary and a burgeoning career in the WNBA, truly make a difference in the high-stakes world of professional basketball? Dorka Juhsz, a name quickly becoming synonymous with grit and determination, is poised to prove just that.

After a promising rookie season in 2023, where she started in a majority of games, Dorka Juhsz found herself navigating a different landscape in 2024. The Minnesota Lynx, with their sights set on the WNBA finals, saw a shift in roles for the young forward. Now, as the 2025 season looms, the team's core remains largely unchanged. This places Juhsz in a position where she will be contributing off the bench, vying for crucial minutes alongside established players like Napheesa Collier, Alanna Smith, and Bridget Carleton, while also competing with Diamond Miller for court time.

Category	Details
Full Name	Dorka Kata Juhsz
Date of Birth	December 18, 1999
Place of Birth	Pcs, Hungary
Nationality	Hungarian
Height	6 feet 5 inches (196 cm)
Weight	191 pounds (86 kg)
Position	Forward (Power Forward/Center)
Wingspan	6 feet 9 inches (206 cm)
Current Team	Minnesota Lynx (WNBA)
Previous Team(s)	Beretta Famila Schio (Italian Serie A1), University of Connecticut
College	University of Connecticut (Graduated 2023)
Draft	2023 WNBA Draft, 16th overall (Minnesota Lynx)
Parents	Zsolt Juhsz and Hajnalka Juhsz
Mother's Basketball Career	Former basketball player for a European team
Hometown	Pcs, Hungary
Primary Attributes	Rebounding, scoring paint points, improving game
Reference	ESPN Profile

Born in Pcs, Hungary, on December 18, 1999, Dorka Juhsz's journey to the WNBA has been marked by dedication and a strong basketball lineage. Her mother, Hajnalka Juhsz, a former basketball player, instilled a love and understanding of the game that would prove crucial in Dorka's development. The foundation for her basketball career was laid early on in Pcs, and it was at the PTE Babits that she started her basketball life.

Her college career at the University of Connecticut, culminating in her graduation in 2023, provided a platform for Juhsz to hone her skills and showcase her potential. It was here that she garnered the attention of WNBA scouts, paving the way for her selection by the Minnesota Lynx in the 2023 draft. The Lynx saw promise in the young Hungarian, and with the fourth pick of the second round (16th overall), they welcomed Dorka Juhsz to their roster. Photos from April 10, 2023, in New York, show her beaming alongside WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert, capturing a moment of immense pride and the beginning of a new chapter.

As a rookie, Juhsz made an immediate impact, starting in a significant number of games. This early exposure gave her valuable experience and allowed her to acclimate to the demands of professional basketball. Her performance on the court didnt go unnoticed; it's clear that the Lynx saw the potential for growth, and that assessment remains a central component of their planning.

The 2024 season saw a change in her role as the Lynx pursued a championship title, highlighting the competitive nature of the WNBA. While her minutes may have been reduced, this experience undoubtedly provided valuable lessons in resilience, adaptability, and the importance of contributing to a team's overall success. Being part of a team that made a run to the finals, even in a supporting role, is a testament to her dedication and the value she brings to the Lynx organization.

Looking ahead to the 2025 season, the Lynx are essentially retaining the same core roster. This stability, however, presents both opportunities and challenges for Juhsz. On the one hand, she will be competing with established players for playing time. On the other hand, she has the chance to learn from seasoned veterans and further develop her game in a high-pressure environment. The Lynx are counting on her to develop. The team is in need of a reliable big who can rebound and score paint points, and the hope is that Juhsz can fill that role.

The presence of Diamond Miller on the roster creates an interesting dynamic. While Miller, a fellow forward, was sidelined due to a knee injury, and Juhsz was given a chance to showcase her skills, the competition for minutes will undoubtedly intensify when Miller returns to full health. This internal competition is a hallmark of championship-caliber teams, pushing players to constantly strive for improvement and contribute in any way possible. And for Juhsz, this is a chance for growth.

The coaching staff, led by Head Coach and President of Basketball Operations Cheryl Reeve, has a clear vision for the team's success. The decision to retain the core roster, while also providing opportunities for young players to develop, suggests a commitment to long-term sustainability. The Lynx has made it very clear that they need reliable players to compete at a high level.

Her ability to generate interest demonstrates her value. The interest she generated when she hit the transfer portal earlier this month speaks volumes about her potential and the demand for talented players in the league. Dorka Juhsz has already demonstrated an ability to score and rebound, which are essential attributes in the modern WNBA. The game is becoming more competitive, and her performance will be crucial for her team's success.

The memories of the 2023 draft are still fresh. The moment she was drafted, the excitement of starting her professional career, and the support from her family, including her parents Zsolt and Hajnalka Juhsz, created a foundation of support that will carry her throughout her career. Her mothers experience as a professional basketball player gives her unique insights into the challenges and triumphs of the sport.

The challenges ahead are considerable. Operating off the bench, competing for minutes, and constantly striving to improve are all part of the professional basketball journey. Yet, Dorka Juhsz has the talent, the drive, and the support system to overcome these hurdles. She's shown that she can be a valuable contributor to a championship-caliber team, and the Lynx are counting on her to continue growing and developing her game.

Throughout her career, Juhsz has been associated with moments of great joy, such as the support she gets from other players, as she did when Paige Bueckers of the UConn Huskies kissed Dorka Juhsz on the forehead in a game. These moments are indicative of the camaraderie that can exist on and off the court, and they highlight the human element of the sport. Her journey, from her roots in Pcs, Hungary, to the bright lights of the WNBA, is a testament to her dedication, hard work, and the unwavering support of her family and mentors.

The goal of the Minnesota Lynx is to go to the Finals once again. For Dorka Juhsz, this means seizing every opportunity, improving her game, and becoming an indispensable part of the teams success. While the road ahead might be challenging, her determination, combined with her inherent talent, positions her as a key player for the Lynx in the years to come. With the right opportunities, she could become the difference in a crucial game.

The story of Dorka Juhsz is still unfolding, and it is one worth watching. She has the potential to become a star. As she continues to develop and hone her skills, the future looks bright for this talented forward. All eyes will be on her in the 2025 season to see how she continues to make her mark on the WNBA.