2025 WNBA Draft: Spotlight on Dominique Malonga, the Promising 6'6" French Talent

Malonga’s rare combination of size, skill and athleticism has garnered her Victor Wembanyama comparisons

In October 2022, French sports agency Comsport shared a video of then-16-year-old Dominique Malonga effortlessly dunking during a workout, stating, “Remember the name.” Since then, Malonga has greatly impacted the basketball scene, winning a silver medal with France at the 2024 Paris Olympics and becoming the first Frenchwoman to dunk in an official game.

Now established as a likely lottery pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft, she could potentially be selected as early as No. 2 overall by the Seattle Storm after Notre Dame guard Olivia Miles opted out of the draft.

With her career rooted in France, many WNBA fans are not familiar with Malonga yet. Here’s a detailed look at her journey and what makes her a coveted prospect.

Who is Malonga?

Dominique was born in Cameroon to former professional players Thalance Malonga and Agathe N’Nindjem-Yolemp. She initially took up basketball in Yaoundé, inspired by her mother’s academy. Upon moving to France, her skills blossomed at the prestigious INSEP training center, which has also nurtured stars like Tony Parker and Sandrine Gruda. Malonga seized the opportunity to join LDLC ASVEL, a club owned by Parker, at just 16.

Despite initial challenges, including injuries that limited her playing time, Malonga has since emerged as a key player. In fact, she made history by dunking in a EuroCup Women game, showcasing her incredible potential and athleticism.

Strengths

Size: Standing at 6'6" with a 7'1" wingspan, Malonga will be one of the tallest players in the WNBA, providing a substantial advantage on both ends of the court.
Athleticism and Mobility: Her movement fluidity is exceptional, allowing her to glide across the court with ease, whether in transition or in half-court settings.
On-Ball Skills: Malonga displays impressive skills for a center, capable of directing the game from afar or finishing close to the basket with grace.

During her time in Lyon, she has taken strides to improve her strength and overall performance, ensuring she remains an impact player as she transitions to the WNBA.

Malonga understands the physical demands of the league, stating, “I know the W is a really tough league where you need to be physically prepared,” highlighting her commitment to enhancing her game.

Weaknesses

Strength: At just 19, Malonga’s physical robustness is still developing, sometimes hindering her performance against more formidable opponents.
Shooting Consistency: While she takes shots from long range, her shooting percentage needs improvement. However, her dedication to refining her shooting capabilities is promising for her future success.

As Malonga prepares for the draft, her name is set to resonate throughout the WNBA, similar to how Wembanyama’s does. Her unique skill set and determination to establish her identity in the league will make her a player to watch closely in the coming season.