A new chapter unfolds for global basketball as a towering figure takes her place on the world stage. At 6-foot-6, Dominique Malonga commands attention wherever she goes, and her recent selection by the Seattle Storm as the second overall pick in the WNBA draft has further cemented her status as an emerging star. Her appearance at the draft event in a classic black and white ensemble underscored both her elegance and athletic prowess.

This young prodigy is not only poised to make waves in the WNBA but also aims to elevate the profile of French basketball. With Adja Kane joining her as another Frenchwoman selected in the same draft, Malonga reflects on the progress of women’s sports in France. “It’s exciting to see that French basketball isn’t just about male players anymore,” she said. “We’re proving that female athletes can compete at the highest levels too.” Her achievements include becoming the first French woman to dunk during a game last fall, following a stellar performance at the Paris Games where her team claimed silver.

Beyond individual accolades, Malonga credits her international experience with FIBA for shaping her into the player she is today. Competing against elite teams in the Olympics has honed her skills and prepared her for the challenges ahead in the WNBA. Joining a seasoned roster with the Seattle Storm, including veterans like Nneka Ogwumike and Skylar Diggins-Smith, Malonga embraces the opportunity to learn from some of the best while contributing her own talents. As she prepares to relocate across continents before turning 20, she carries pride not only for her homeland of France but also for her roots in Cameroon and Congo. Through determination and skill, Malonga exemplifies how global talent enriches professional leagues worldwide.