Standing at six-foot-six, Dominique Malonga is often said to be the “female Victor Wembanyama,” simply because of her nationality and her ability to make guard-like plays look so fluid and smooth despite her size and length.
After being drafted No. 2 overall by the Seattle Storm, Malonga is sure to be a big part of the Storm this upcoming WNBA season.
What Shocked Fans About Dominique Malonga?
Her height and skill set made Malonga one of the most intriguing prospects in this year’s class. Even at 6’6″, she moves and plays like a forward, drawing comparisons to Ezi Magbegor (her new teammate), Breanna Stewart, and even Cameron Brink.
For her size, Malonga can jump at insane heights. A highlight from a game that took place in October of 2024 is currently circulating in women’s basketball circles on X. During this game, she became the first French women’s basketball player to dunk during a EuroCup game.
What captivated fans the most was how Malonga made the dunk look almost effortless, one of Malonga’s highest selling points during the draft.
“Oh Yes!! Effortless!! Love bigs who can JUMP !!! My bet for ROTY if Storm capitalizes her talent and time on the floor,” said one fan on X.
Oh Yes!! Effortless!! Love bigs who can JUMP !!! My bet for ROTY if Storm capitalizes her talent and time on the floor
— Windi Robinson (@WindiRobinson1) April 15, 2025
“I’m blown away how athletic she is for her height. We are witnessing evolution folks!!” said another fan on X.
However, her playstyle is not limited to just flashy dunks. Throughout the EuroCup season, she averaged 18.5 points and 11.3 rebounds each game, a double-double. After being drafted second overall by Seattle, Malonga made history again by being the youngest player ever drafted in the WNBA.
Some fans are already sold: “She is going to be a big star.”
She is going to be a big star
— Alan Barcoff The Governor!! (@alanbarcoff) April 15, 2025
Currently, Malonga is only 19 years old. Some other players who were drafted at young ages include Lauren Jackson, who was at one point the franchise cornerstone for the Storm. Another player who was drafted at a young age is Jade Melborne, also drafted by Seattle — she was just 21 years old when she was drafted by the Storm.
What Is the Current State of the Seattle Storm?
Seattle’s in a solid spot. They made the playoffs last season but were knocked out by the Las Vegas Aces, who later fell to the champion New York Liberty.
The Storm’s biggest weakness? Post play. Outside of Magbegor, who had a decent year but has played better in the past, there wasn’t much interior presence.
This offseason, the team got busy. They re-signed Nneka Ogwumike and Gabby Williams, who hasn’t played a full WNBA season since 2022 due to injuries and overseas commitments. And, of course, they added Malonga.
Now with more frontcourt firepower, Seattle looks ready to turn the corner.