History was made at the recent WNBA Draft when the Seattle Storm selected Dominique Malonga with the second overall pick. At just 19 years old, the French-Cameroonian center has become the youngest player ever drafted into the women’s professional basketball league. Born in Yaoundé, Cameroon, Malonga’s selection also marks a significant milestone for Cameroonian women’s basketball on the global stage.
The 6-foot-6 phenom has already built an impressive resume playing for ASVEL Féminin in France. Her combination of size, athleticism, and diverse skillset has drawn comparisons to NBA star Victor Wembanyama, earning her the nickname “Female Wemby” from veteran NBA player Tony Parker, who owns her French club team.
From Viral Dunker to Professional Prospect
Malonga first captured basketball fans’ attention three years ago when videos of her effortlessly dunking during practice went viral. Her surprising athleticism and wide-ranging skills immediately set her apart as a unique talent. This natural ability continued developing, leading to a historic achievement last October.
“Last October, she made history as the first French woman to dunk in a game,” reports indicate. This milestone further cemented her status as a generational talent worth watching. Her path to professional basketball began early when she joined Tony Parker’s French team ASVEL Féminin at just 15 years old.
The nickname “Female Wemby” highlights the parallels between Malonga and her countryman Victor Wembanyama. Both represent the new generation of versatile, skilled big players who can impact the game in multiple ways. This comparison speaks volumes about her potential ceiling as a professional.
Dominant Performance in European Competition
This season with Lyon ASVEL Féminin, Malonga has posted impressive numbers across the board. She’s averaged 15.4 points, 10.3 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game while showcasing low-post scoring ability and shot-blocking prowess. Her perimeter shooting also continues to improve.
Her performance in international competition proved even more dominant. According to reports, “She led her squad, averaging 18.5 points and 11 rebounds per game in this year’s EuroCup Women’s competition.” These statistics demonstrate her readiness to compete against elite talent.
Currently, Malonga and her Lyon ASVEL Féminin team are preparing for the EuroLeague quarterfinals on April 23. This commitment means she’ll return to France before joining the Storm, whose training camp begins on April 27. The timeline for her WNBA debut remains fluid as she completes her European season.
Pride in Representing French Basketball Excellence
After hearing her name called second overall in the draft, Malonga expressed deep pride in what her selection means for French basketball. “I was so proud to achieve that goal,” she said during a post-draft interview. “It just showed that French basketball has evolved as we see in those past few years in the NBA side.”
She specifically mentioned fellow French stars making waves in the NBA. “We see Wemby or [2024 NBA No. 1 overall pick] Zaccharie Risacher that shows French basketball is great,” Malonga noted. Her selection continues this pattern of French excellence expanding into women’s basketball.
“It just shows that it’s not only men French players, it’s always also women. It’s just French basketball in general,” she added. “And I’m so proud just to show that today, French basketball is at the level that we have never seen.” This pride in representation highlights the significance of her achievement beyond personal accolades.
Family Support Drives Historic Achievement
The emotional draft night brought Malonga’s journey full circle. When her name was called, she immediately turned to embrace her mother in a touching moment. “It was a lot of emotion when I heard my name,” Malonga remarked. “I was kind of stressed first, but the minute I heard it was better, of course.”
Her decision to hug her mother first carried special meaning. “At first I went to my mom. … 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, and I really wanted to show that,” she explained.
The support extends beyond just her mother. “And of course, my family, my dad, my brothers and my sister, they are everything to me. They’re the reason that I’m here today, and my motivation of every day,” Malonga shared. “So, you could see that there was a lot of emotion between us. I’m so proud and happy to have been able to bring them here today.”
Seattle’s Strategic Investment in International Talent
Malonga represents the fifth international player selected among the top two picks in WNBA draft history. She is also the highest Seattle Storm draft selection since they took Breanna Stewart first overall in 2016. The team clearly views her as a cornerstone piece worth waiting for.
Seattle Storm general manager Talisa Rhea addressed the timing challenges head-on. “It’s always a conversation with international players and even with US-born players who are overseas playing. We’ve had those conversations. We kind of know what to expect, and we’re open,” Rhea stated.
The organization remains committed to accommodating Malonga’s existing obligations. “We feel like she is a talent that is worth going through that process with her. We’ll continue to be in conversation, and we will be thrilled to have her in Seattle as soon as she can get here,” Rhea added. This patience demonstrates the team’s belief in Malonga’s potential impact.
Unique Draft Eligibility Shows Exception for Foreign Talent
Malonga’s selection highlights an interesting aspect of WNBA draft rules. Foreign players can enter the draft as long as they turn 20 in the year the draft is held. Malonga, who will turn 20 in November, just meets this requirement.
The rules differ significantly for American college athletes. They must turn 22 in the year of the draft to be eligible for selection. This distinction allows exceptional international talents like Malonga to enter the professional ranks earlier than their American counterparts.
This policy helped make history possible. Without this rule difference, basketball fans would have waited years longer to see Malonga compete at the highest level. Now, the basketball world eagerly anticipates her WNBA debut whenever she completes her European season and joins the Seattle Storm.
