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Dominique Malonga Drafted No. 2 Overall, Highlighting French Basketball's International Rise

The 19-year-old phenom joins the Seattle Storm following historic achievements and a controversial press conference moment.

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Overview

  • Dominique Malonga, a 6'6" center from France, was selected as the No. 2 overall pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft by the Seattle Storm.
  • Malonga made history in October 2024 as the first French woman to dunk in an official game and helped France secure a silver medal at the Paris Olympics.
  • Her selection reflects the growing prominence of French basketball, with Malonga emphasizing the rise of both male and female French players on the global stage.
  • A PR misstep at her first press conference, where a French reporter was interrupted and Malonga was asked to translate her response, has sparked discussions about cultural integration in the WNBA.
  • Malonga is expected to have a long and impactful career, with analysts praising her versatility and potential as a cornerstone for the Storm's future.