Seattle Storm Snags French Phenom With No. 2 Pick
At just 19 years old, Dominique Malonga is rewriting the WNBA record books. The Seattle Storm selected the French-Cameroonian powerhouse second overall, making her the youngest player ever drafted in league history. Standing tall at 6-foot-6, Malonga’s mix of skill, size, and star power is already turning heads.
The pick marks Seattle’s highest draft selection since landing Breanna Stewart in 2016 — and signals big things ahead for a team betting on international talent.
From Viral Dunks to Global Recognition
Malonga first caught global attention at just 16, when videos of her dunking in practice went viral online. By October 2023, she made history again as the first French woman to dunk in a professional game.
Born in Yaoundé, Cameroon, and raised in France, she joined Tony Parker’s ASVEL Féminin squad at age 15. The former NBA star himself dubbed her the “Female Wemby,” drawing comparisons to fellow French sensation Victor Wembanyama.
This season with Lyon ASVEL Féminin, Malonga averaged 15.4 points, 10.3 rebounds, and 1.5 assists in league play. In EuroCup Women’s competition, she stepped up even more, putting up 18.5 points and 11 rebounds per game.
A Proud Moment for French Basketball
Speaking after the draft, Malonga said the moment meant more than personal success — it was a win for French basketball.
“I was so proud to achieve that goal. It just showed that French basketball has evolved as we see in those past few years in the NBA side,” she told The Seattle Times.
Her age won’t hold her back either. While WNBA rules require U.S. players to be 22 to enter the draft, international players qualify at 20 — and Malonga turns 20 this November, checking the box just in time.
Emotional Family Celebration
After her name was called, Malonga immediately embraced her mother in an emotional, tear-filled hug.
“It was symbolic to go to her first because she is one of the most important person of my life. She is one of the reason that I’m here today,” Malonga shared.
“And of course, my family — my dad, my brothers and my sister — they are everything to me… my motivation every day.”
What’s Next for Dominique and the Storm?
While Malonga’s debut with the Storm is still TBD due to her ongoing commitments in France, Seattle is prepared to wait.
“We’re ready for the process and look forward to welcoming her,” said GM Talisa Rhea.
Dominique Malonga becomes just the fifth international player ever selected in the top two picks of the WNBA draft. And at only 19, her story is just getting started.
