In a history-making moment that signals a bold new era for international women’s basketball, 19-year-old Dominique Malonga has become the youngest player ever drafted into the WNBA.
Selected second overall by the Seattle Storm in the 2025 WNBA Draft, Malonga is already drawing comparisons to generational talents — and for good reason.
The 6-foot-6 Cameroonian-born, French-raised center has electrified the basketball world with her unique blend of height, skill, and finesse. Known for her jaw-dropping athleticism, she first went viral at 16 after dunking effortlessly in practice. By 18, she made history as the first Frenchwoman to dunk in a professional game — and now, she’s cemented her legacy as a top WNBA pick.
Malonga’s path to basketball stardom began in Yaoundé, Cameroon, before she moved to France, eventually joining ASVEL Féminin — the women’s club owned by NBA champion Tony Parker. Parker himself dubbed her the “Female Wemby,” likening her to fellow French basketball phenomenon Victor Wembanyama. Like Wemby, Malonga’s ceiling seems boundless.
“She’s a unicorn,” Seattle Storm head coach Noelle Quinn said. “Her ability to do multiple things on the court, guard multiple positions, and stretch the floor — her versatility lends to a successful career in our league.”
Malonga proved that versatility this season by averaging 15.4 points, 10.3 rebounds, and 1.5 assists. She upped her dominance in EuroCup Women’s play, leading her team with 18.5 points and 11 rebounds per game.
Draft night was more than a milestone — it was a deeply personal victory. Dressed in a striking black tuxedo and crisp white shirt, Malonga lit up The Shed in New York City not only with her style, but with her sincerity. The moment her name was called, she turned to embrace her mother.
“She is one of the most important people in my life,” Malonga said tearfully. “She is one of the reasons that I’m here today.”
Malonga’s selection is Seattle’s highest since they drafted Breanna Stewart No. 1 overall in 2016. Though she will return to France to complete her EuroLeague season, the Storm is confident the wait will be worth it.
The significance of her selection reaches beyond the court. As Malonga herself noted, “It just shows that it’s not only men French players — it’s also women. French basketball is at a level we’ve never seen before.”
Indeed, Dominique Malonga is a movement.
