Dominique Malonga to the Storm Was a Steal

Dominique Malonga’s workouts are so impressive you’d doubt to yourself how she didn’t go first overall.

Not only does that speak to the greatness of the No. 1 pick in Paige Bueckers, but it also could speak to one of the biggest draft day blunders, because Malonga looks like a once-in-a-lifetime type of prospect.

Only time will tell.

The Seattle Storm realized that securing the services of Malonga, a 6’6” center from France, was something they were not willing to pass on. The international center, Malonga, made a name for herself as a member of the 2024 Olympic silver-medal-winning French team.

Malonga, whose athleticism is through the charts, is most well known for her ability to dunk with ease. Dunking for her has come naturally and simply, as she’s been accomplishing this since she was 16 years old. Now, only two years later, she has developed into one of the top prospects in the 2025 WNBA Draft.

Pro Ready

Malonga comes to the Storm not as a typical rookie.

Since she was able to play against a lot of women—adults (not collegiate students)—she has an added advantage entering the WNBA. Malonga already started playing professionally for Lyon ASVEL in France, where she showcased her impressive skills and potential, earning a reputation as a dominant force in the paint.

“Every minute that I spent on the court there, I know that I learned something and that I improved on my game,” Malonga said. “Yeah, FIBA basketball is something today, and I think that it really helped me to be ready for the league.”

But don’t let her paint dominance fool you—she can knock down shots with ease from the perimeter. Whether that be a fadeaway or a post fade, Malonga has a good touch, release, and great shooting form.

The fact that athletes will have to compete with her 6’6” size and athleticism, the only aspect of her game needed to battle in the league will be her strength. At 18 years old, that will take more time to get added to her frame, but nevertheless, she will walk into the league as a game-changer on both ends of the floor.

“I’m really, really excited to step on the court in the W and to show that European basketball is something, too,” she said. “I can come here and showcase my talent.”

Mentorship

In terms of being a dominant low-post player, Seattle Storm might be one of the best places that Malonga could’ve landed.

On their roster currently, they have two of the top 25 players in the league in Ezi Magbegor and Nneka Ogwumike. Both Magbegor and Ogwumike made All-Defense teams last season in the WNBA. Having these two bigs will help Malonga cultivate her skills and her ability to protect the rim, rebound, and finish inside.

Ogwumike, in her own right, was a former league MVP, and she also plays a similar style to Seattle’s newest draft pick. There should be a lot of learning going on from Malonga’s end.

“When I see A’ja Wilson play today, that’s the impact that I want to see,” Malonga said. “Because when she’s on the court, you see her. She has an impact. When she’s not on the court, you see that she’s not on the court. That’s the impact I want to have—not only in this league but also in Europe and wherever I play.”

In her rookie season, expect Malonga to provide depth in the post, focusing on rebounding, shot-blocking, and interior scoring. Her growth potential is immense, and the Storm will be counting on her to make an immediate impact.

“It was a lot of emotion when I heard my name,” she added. “My mom wasn’t at the table, but she let her place genuinely. So for me, it was symbolic to go to her first. She is one of the most important people in my life. She’s one of the reasons I’m here today.”

“I’m so proud to show that French basketball is at a level that we have never seen,” Malonga said. “It’s not only men’s French players, it’s also women. It’s just French basketball in general.”