As expected, the Seattle Storm used their no. Two overall picks in this year’s WNBA draft on Europe sensation Dominique Malonga. The 6-foot-6, 19-year-old center led her team in scoring during this year’s EuroCup Women’s Tournament. Malonga averaged 18.5 points and 11 points a game in the tournament for French Club ASVEL Femini ( formerly the Lyon Basket fémini), was selected to the All-Europe First Team, and won European Player of the Year and center.
DUEL THREAT
Molanga also led her team in scoring and rebounding, averaging 15.4 points and 10.3 rebounds during the regular season. With length, speed, and agility, the consensus is that Molanga is a budding superstar with no limit.
Dominique is a rising global star, and we are thrilled to welcome her to Seattle,” said Seattle Storm General Manager Talisa Rhea. “She brings versatility, skill, and a high level of efficiency. We know she’ll be an integral part of our team, now and for years to come.”
FORGING SELF IDENTITY
Malonga has long been compared to her French compatriot, Victor Wembanyama. Malonga is on record stating that while being compared to the Spurs star is an honor, she is out to forge a name for herself.
“Being compared to Victor is nice because he’s a great player, “said Malonga. “The things he’s doing are so amazing, so of course, being compared to him is an honor. But I want to make sure that I don’t lose my identity in that and I still have my game.
Born in Yaounde, Cameroon, Malonga began her professional career in 2021 when she signed with ASVEL at the age of 15. In her first two seasons, she averaged 6.2 points and 4.1 rebounds per game. In August 2023, she was loaned to a fellow French basketball team, Tarbes-Gespe Bigorre, and in 25 games, she averaged 11.9 points, 8.9 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks.
A FIRST FOR FRANCE
In October 2024, Malonga became the first Frenchwoman to dunk in an official game. She also represented France at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where she was the youngest on the team to win a silver medal and played alongside current Seattle Storm forward Gabby Williams.
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