Dominique Malonga, 19, Sets WNBA Record as Youngest Player Ever Drafted and Picked Second by Seattle Storm

The Seattle Storm selected the 19-year-old with the No. 2 overall pick, breaking the league’s previous age record. Malonga, standing at 6-foot-6, has been turning heads since her early teens with her explosive athleticism and versatile skills.

Malonga’s journey began in Yaoundé, Cameroon, before she moved to France and joined ASVEL Féminin at just 15. NBA legend Tony Parker, who owns the team, nicknamed her “Female Wemby” due to her similarities to fellow French star Victor Wembanyama. Now, she’s ready to take the WNBA by storm.

Dominique Malonga’s Historic WNBA Draft Moment

Malonga’s selection at No. 2 marks a milestone for international players. She is the fifth foreign player ever picked in the top two of the WNBA draft. The Seattle Storm last held such a high pick in 2016 when they drafted Breanna Stewart first overall.

“I was so proud to achieve that goal,” Malonga said after the draft. “It just showed that French basketball has evolved… It’s not only men, but also women. French basketball is at a level we’ve never seen before.” Her emotional reaction included hugging her mother first, calling her “one of the most important people in my life.”

Why the Seattle Storm Chose Dominique Malonga

Malonga’s stats speak for themselves. This season, she averaged 15.4 points, 10.3 rebounds, and 1.5 assists for Lyon ASVEL Féminin. She also dominated in the EuroCup Women’s competition, putting up 18.5 points and 11 rebounds per game. Her ability to score inside, block shots, and develop her perimeter game made her a top prospect.

Storm GM Talisa Rhea confirmed they’re willing to wait for Malonga’s arrival. “We feel she is a talent worth going through that process with,” Rhea said. Since Lyon ASVEL is still in the EuroLeague playoffs, Malonga’s exact WNBA debut date remains uncertain.

How Dominique Malonga Rose to Stardom

Malonga first went viral at 16 after dunking effortlessly in practice. Last October, she became the first French woman to dunk in a game. Her rapid rise mirrors that of Wembanyama, the NBA’s No. 1 pick in 2023.

Born in Cameroon, Malonga moved to France young and quickly stood out. Parker’s mentorship helped shape her into a future WNBA star. Now, she’s ready to prove herself on the biggest stage.

What’s Next for the Youngest WNBA Draft Pick?

Malonga will turn 20 in November, meeting the WNBA’s age requirement for international players. For now, she remains focused on Lyon’s EuroLeague run before joining Seattle.

Fans are eager to see her play alongside Storm stars like Jewell Loyd. If her past performances are any indication, Malonga could soon become one of the league’s brightest stars.