Dominique Malonga: The Rising Star of Seattle Storm
On a hot July 4th night in a Brooklyn hotel, Dominique Malonga, the young prospect of the Seattle Storm, settles into a chair after a training session at the Barclays Center. The rookie, hailing from Europe, became the youngest player to be selected by the team, and her arrival has generated high expectations.
At 19 years old, Malonga has been compared to Victor Wembanyama due to his height and agility. His adaptation to American basketball has been a constant learning process, but his impact on the court is undeniable.
“She is a unicorn. Unique,” commented Storm coach Noelle Quinn. “She’s going to be a star,” added Gabby Williams, teammate.
Noelle Quinn and Gabby Williams
Despite a start with limited minutes, Malonga has proven his worth. In his first 18 games, he averaged 4.4 points and 2.3 rebounds in 9.1 minutes. However, his performance has been increasing, showing remarkable growth.
Malonga acknowledges the frustration of being on the bench, but refuses to be carried away by negativity. She focuses on learning from her teammates, studying their movements and training hard to improve.
The young prospect does not consider herself a dreamer, but a realist, and is determined to turn expectations into concrete achievements.Dominique Malonga ha tenido un gran desempeño en la segunda mitad de la temporada para Seattle, y le da al Storm motivos para creer contra las Aces en esta postemporada y más allá.In the second half of the season, Malonga has starred in impressive performances, becoming the youngest player to reach certain statistical milestones. Despite the team’s ups and downs, his contribution has been fundamental in keeping playoff hopes alive.
In the 20 regular season games he played after the All-Star break, he led the team with four double-doubles. He averaged 11.4 points, 6.7 rebounds and 1.3 blocks in 20.3 minutes per game, with 57.6% field goal accuracy.
“I love playing with her. I’m glad to see her thrive,” said Skylar Diggins.
Skylar Diggins
The loss to the Aces in the first playoff game of the series made it clear that the Storm needs Malonga. The young player scored 12 points and grabbed 11 rebounds, but the team must improve to succeed.El Storm ya contaba con un fantástico juego interior que incluía a Nneka Ogwumike y Ezi Magbegor cuando eligieron a Malonga en el número 2.In the 2025 WNBA draft, Malonga felt a strange calm. The young woman, in an elegant outfit and striking glasses, felt ready for this new chapter. Surrounded by her family and with the flags of Congo, Cameroon, and France, Malonga expressed her pride in representing her multiculturalism.
“I come from a long journey. My family is here and they are witnesses to the work I have put in to be here today,” said Malonga.
Dominique Malonga
In her WNBA debut, Malonga had a low-key start, but her potential was clear. Her athleticism and desire to learn have made her a key player for the team.Malonga pasó la mayor parte de su tiempo durante la primera mitad de la temporada como espectadora.In a cloudy May morning in Seattle, Malonga participated in a mentoring session for Voice in Sport. Before a group of young people from France, she shared her life story and her struggle with self-confidence.
From a young age, Malonga demonstrated great discipline and dedication. Her father, a former basketball player and politician, instilled in her the importance of hard work. At the age of 12, she began playing basketball in France, where her talent was quickly recognized.
Coach Jean-Christophe N’Zambi saw her potential and encouraged her to develop her skills. At 15, Malonga turned professional, and although she had a difficult start, she focused on improving and learning.
In 2024, Malonga was selected for the French Olympic team, where she learned from the most experienced players. Her determination and ability to absorb knowledge have made her a player with unlimited potential.
In a conversation with the young players, Malonga acknowledged that he sometimes questions his lack of playing time, but remains firm in his work and his happiness to be in constant training.
In a matchup against Chelsea Gray, Malonga demonstrated her defensive ability, stopping the experienced player and earning the respect of the fans.
Nneka Ogwumike, teammate and WNBA veteran, has been a mentor to Malonga, impressed by her maturity and curiosity. Ogwumike highlights Malonga’s ability to learn and adapt to the team’s system.Francia, que contó con Dominique Malonga y Marine Johannes, empujó a Estados Unidos hasta el último segundo en el partido por la medalla de oro en los Juegos Olímpicos de 2024.Malonga has learned to adapt to life in the United States, facing challenges such as buying groceries. Despite the difficulties, she feels happy and grateful for every experience.
After the All-Star break, Malonga showed her best version. In a game against the Chicago Sky, she achieved a double-double, demonstrating her worth and her growth. Quinn, the coach, highlighted her hard work and her constant evolution.Con 6-6, Malonga también se ha convertido en una presencia en el lado defensivo del balón.In a game against the Indiana Fever, Malonga demonstrated her defensive ability, blocking a shot by Aliyah Boston and showing her presence on the court.
Skylar Diggins, one of the league’s best players, praised Malonga, highlighting her potential and her impact on the team. Diggins stated that Malonga is a rising star and that her presence is crucial to the Storm’s success.Malonga se convirtió en la jugadora más joven en la historia de la WNBA en anotar 300 puntos. Tuvo un porcentaje de tiros superior al 55% desde el campo.Malonga has proven her worth in every match, accumulating records and establishing herself as a fundamental piece for the team. Her work ethic and commitment to the game have made her an exceptional player.
Recalling her beginnings, Malonga highlights the importance of learning from coaches and teammates. Her love for basketball and her determination have led her to be an outstanding player, with a story to tell and a promising future.
