In case you haven’t been listening to the 2025 WNBA draft, then you definitely would possibly’ve missed historical past being made. On night time one of many draft, Dominique Malonga was drafted second general to the Seattle Storm. At simply 19, Malonga grew to become the youngest to ever be drafted within the group’s virtually 30-year historical past.
The forward-center is thought for her defensive talents, standing at 6-foot-6-inches. However she has extra to supply as Malonga is thought for dominating all sides of the basketball court docket. With this star on the rise, right here’s some issues it is best to completely learn about her.
Born in Cameroon
On Nov. 16, 2005, Malonga was born in Yaounde, Cameroon. She was raised there till age 15 when a French requiter signed her to ASVEL Féminin, an elite French skilled membership, in accordance to Primarily Sports activities. Regardless of enjoying for France for her skilled profession, Malonga nonetheless finds methods to pay homage to her residence nation and tradition.
“I’m so joyful to characterize France however not solely France [also] Cameroon, Congo,” she stated after she was drafted. “I’m a multi-cultural individual. I’ve lots of people behind me, and I’m so proud to be right here and to characterize all of them,” Malonga continued.
Setting Data
At this yr’s draft, Malonga broke the document for the youngest participant ever drafted to the WNBA at 19 years previous and 5 months. Earlier than her, the document had been set in 2001 by Lauren Jackson, who was drafted first general lower than month earlier than her twentieth birthday.
Malonga already has the makings of a legend, and at such a younger age, you possibly can see why so many individuals have their eyes on her. In October 2024, Malonga made historical past but once more after she grew to become the primary Frenchwoman to dunk in an official basketball recreation, in accordance with her bio on the Seattle Storm web site.
She Gained an Olympic Medal
On the 2024 Paris Olympics, Malonga represented France as she gained a silver-medal for basketball. Humorous sufficient, she performed alongside Gabby Williams, a present ahead for the Seattle Storm. Now, Williams and Malonga are teammates.
Her Dad and mom Performed Basketball
You may say Malonga’s love for basketball is in her DNA. Each of her dad and mom, Thalance Malonga and Agathe N’Nindjem-Yolemp, performed the game themselves, which in the end set the stage for his or her daughter’s main success, in accordance with Primarily Sports activities.
Cameroon, the place her household is initially from, additionally has a really outstanding sporting tradition, which greater than seemingly helped to gas Malonga’s aggressive nature. Clearly, household means so much to the 19-year-old, and after being drafted to the league, it’s secure to say Malonga resides the life she at all times dreamed of.
With a narrative like Malonga’s, it’s laborious to not root for the teenager star. From her upbringing in Cameroon all the way in which to now enjoying professionally in the USA, the athlete has been placing in laborious work, and now, it’s all paying off.