Dominique Malonga Impresses in First Practice with the Seattle Storm
The newcomer Dominique Malonga, selected at number 2 in the draft, participated in her first training session with the Seattle Storm, demonstrating her energy and talent from the start.
Less than 72 hours after arriving from France, Malonga was already on the court, leaving his mark with a spectacular dunk, one of his most outstanding skills.
I couldn’t wait to be here with the team, start practicing, and experience the level of the WNBA.
Dominique Malonga
Despite the jet lag, which keeps her awake at 3 a.m., Malonga demonstrated her athletic ability with a dunk that impressed everyone.
She can dunk. She’s above the rim. It was powerful. It was athletic. It was good to see.
Noelle Quinn, Storm coach
Coach Quinn highlighted the energy that Malonga brings to the team, both in training and in the game.
Malonga, aware of the expectation generated by his dunking ability, enjoys the reaction of the public and the energy it provides him on the court.
I love it because everyone gets excited. I get excited and feel like it’s going to give me a lot of energy to put on the court afterwards. It’s a great feeling.
Dominique Malonga
The player does not seek to humiliate her opponents, but to contribute to the game. The reaction on social media was fun for her.
The 19-year-old averaged 18.5 points and 11.0 rebounds in the EuroCup with ASVEL, proving her worth against WNBA opponents. After an intense season in France, Malonga took a short break before joining the Storm.
I took a few days off at home with my family because I had a very long season in France, a very tough season, so I really needed those days to rest with my family.
Dominique Malonga
Malonga was greeted with a warm welcome at Climate Pledge Arena, the home of the Storm. Tuesday’s practice also marked the return of Ezi Magbegor and Gabby Williams, who also completed their European seasons.
While Magbegor and Williams focus on the team’s chemistry, Malonga has a learning path ahead of her before the start of the regular season on May 17.
I was pretty sure it was going to be difficult for me today and it was. The game is super fast. We play and practice against guys [a male practice team] every day, so, of course, it’s a high level of intensity. It was a little difficult for me, but I can’t wait to get into rhythm.
Dominique Malonga
