SEATTLE -- There are a multitude of reasons to visit Seattle, Washington, but none compare to the Seattle Storm’s newest rookie, Dominique Malonga (Muh-LONG-uh). Standing at 6’6”, her versatility presents a lot to be desired, including her dunking ability. Before being drafted by the Storm with the number two pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft, the 19-year-old played for the French National Team, amongst other professional teams overseas. With her skillset, learning ability, and the right people around her, Malonga will thrive in the WNBA for many years.

Unlike many players in the league, Malonga has played professionally since she was 15 years old. With her wealth of experience playing overseas, she developed a high basketball IQ and a competitive mindset. Before Seattle’s 102-82 win against the Las Vegas Aces, Malonga talked about how she can use her prior experience to help her succeed in the WNBA.

“I have a lot of experience overseas (with my) national team, so that helps me have a competitive mindset because you want to win a championship, and I think I developed that really early,” Malonga said. “We think a lot and there is a lot of play and we go far in the possessions, so I think I’ve improved my (basketball IQ) thanks to overseas basketball.”

Her experience playing overseas has helped her competitive spirit, while also developing her knowledge of the game. Malonga also spoke about the differences between overseas basketball and the WNBA.

“The difference (in the WNBA) is the pace of the game,” she said. “Here, the game is really fast, and I really see the difference in that and the physicality. (In the WNBA) You can see basketball is something more (physical).”

As she transitions from playing overseas, she is quick to recognize the difference in speed and the physicality of the game. Like most rookies, Malonga is surrounded by many veterans to help her adjust to the league. One veteran in particular is forward Gabby Williams, who was Malonga’s teammate on the French National Team. Before the Storm’s 77-70 victory against the Phoenix Mercury, she talked about how she’s been able to help her transition into the league.

“I know what (Malonga)’s seen and I know what she hasn’t seen, so (I’m) just trying to get ahead of it and be like hey this is going to happen, be ready for it,” Williams said. “If she struggles with something, I can tell why because I know that’s maybe how she learned in Europe or in France.”

Williams has the most experience playing with Seattle’s newest rookie, so she can recognize when she is having trouble learning different parts of the game in America. Malonga also loves playing with Williams in Seattle, as she helps her familiarize herself with the differences in playstyles. She talked about how knowing Williams helped her when joining the Storm, and how she had already helped her in the process of learning the league before she joined the team.

“(Williams and I) know each other very well, and that is really helpful to have her on the team because she guided me in the process since day one,” Malonga said. “Even before arriving (in Seattle), she was already preparing me for my arrival, so it’s great.”  

She has many teammates to go to if she needs help, including one she’s shared the same floor with while representing her country. Another player Malonga is learning from is All-Star forward Ezi Magbegor (Eh-zee Mag-be-GOR), who shares a similar journey to the league. Magbegor was 19 years old when she was drafted by Seattle, and spent her first season learning from the bench. As she developed, Magbegor became one of the best defenders in the league, averaging nearly two blocks per game during her career. Now in the position to mentor Malonga, she advised her to be a sponge while knowing that adapting to the league will take time.

“(She should) continue to be a sponge and know that (the WNBA) is different,” Magbegor said. “I think (Malonga) has done a great job. With training camp, she picked up everything really well.”

In her first season, Malonga should learn as much as she can about the differences the league presents, while remaining content with making mistakes in the process. Early in her career, she has shown her three-level scoring ability, along with her impact on defense. Her Storm teammates have spoken highly of her potential and are happy to have her on the team. Six-time All-WNBA point guard Skylar Diggins spoke about having Malonga on the team and how special it is to watch her development.

“We’re going to continue to see (Malonga) more and more and more as the year goes,” Diggins said. “She’ll be a star on this team for 20 years, and to see her in her development and be a part of the first one is really special.”

As Malonga develops into her full potential, her teammates recognize the greatness she possesses. Along with her teammates, her coach recognizes her unique abilities, like her rim protection and running the floor on fast breaks. Seattle Head Coach Noelle Quinn talked about her development and the process of getting her acclimated to the rotation.

“Dominique was with us a week late, so we’re still getting her acclimated into our system,” Quinn said after the Storm’s home win against Phoenix. “This is going to be a process of development, but also the times where we can see her on the floor and see her thrive and put her in positions to be successful, we’re going to do that.”

When considering Malonga’s development and acclimation into the rotation, the coaches are preaching patience as she learns the game. However, they aren’t negligent about what she can do on the floor. As Malonga showcases her talent in the WNBA, she recognizes there are things to improve on. When she was asked about what areas she wanted to improve in the league, one particular part of the game came to mind.

“(I want to improve) my physicality 100% because (the game is) super physical here,” Malonga said. “I always feel like I’m improving (my physicality) every weekend, but I can’t wait to really be out there (on the court).”