When the Seattle Storm Jewell Loyd pushed away for the number 2 General choice in the WNBA design of 2025, they knew it was not only excellent, but a generation of franchise player to lead them to their next chapter. Although Paige Bueckers was the unanimous number 1 this year, it became clear in the weeks prior to the design that the assumed no. 2 Pick can also be a historically good player.
It all started when Olivia Miles decided to go back to the university for another year instead of explaining the design. In the consequences of it, the name of Dominique Malonga coughs in second place in the design to float in the top five years. Eleven people actually started as a prospect during Deper in Malonga … It was quite a lot of skill that Seattle had not missed the chance to pick her up.
Now that the highest set-up player ever comes from France, Malonga is perhaps one of the best players who enters the WNBA in years-because they are a basic ready. In recent heavy designs by Vray Guard, she certainly has a matter of being the best beach that is drawn up in recent history. Even if Miles had decided to enter the design, there are indications that Malonga would have gone probablay no. 2.
A silver medal winner at the Olympic Games of Paris 2024, Malonga is only 19 years old and has been playing professional in Europe since 2021. French basketball competitions are starting to rise in the level of talent – think of all the NBA Talent France that you have produced in recent years. She not only has that experience playing agaless high level competition in the Euroleague, but only her physical measurements jump off the page.
Malonga is 6’6 “tall and has 7’1” span, with long hands that match her height. She can immerse the ball in a way that looks easy, and often does this during games. She not only has the skills of a post-player rebound, post-score and rim protection, but she can also handle the basketball and shoot further from outside the three-point line. At the age of 19 she not only has a huge potential, but the proven skills to offer will be a star. She is also the youngest person ever prepared in the WNBA.
Went to Dominique Malonga – the number 2 pick in the WNBA design – training in NYC. Blown away by how talented she is. 6’6, 7’1 span, hug hands. Dunks easy. NBA-Range Pull-Up 3S makes an effort. Only 19 years old. The storm of Seattle got a good one. pic.twitter.com/bolnv49UQ1
– Jonathan Givony (@draftexpress) April 15, 2025
Her potential with the story in particular is huge. It is known that Seattle takes risks on international talent, including their current Front Court Trail Blazer Ezi Magbegor, drawn up from Australia in 2019. The idea of combining Magbegor (25 years old) with Malonga (19) for a number of years in Seattle must be scary for other teams. Bree players with enormously versatile, and if Malonga can operate and defend anywhere on the floor while Magbor Domaates in the post, becomes the Seattle Dangerus.
Malonga is proof of European basketball, where young players are not traditionally posted basketball. Every player, regardless of your height, is put through the waiting, wing and post drills. Rugardless of position, players learn how to deal in Europe at a young age, positionally with boundaries that are rarely enforced in youth basketball. Eleven players are starting to play professionally or at a higher level, they start to be trained specifically in Tose Niched positions, but they have still retained all those other skills.
The results came from unique and versatile European players, especially the long. If you are a 6’6 ”women’s player such as Malonga or a 7’3” men’s player such as Victor Wembanyama, and can work under the hoop, but also operate as a guard? Well, you have serious MVP potential.
When you consider that Loyd actively wanted from Seattle, and the storm not only exchanged the six-time All-Star to her preference, but also the Uble was to secure the future for itself, the only conclusion is that it is a great trade for them. Malonga is not only a design stem, even at number 2, but also for Franchise Cornerstone that can influence this team for many years to come.
In the coming years, when we look back on this concept class, Bueckers naturally had an impact on the competition. Yet Malonga will probably also end up as a phenomenal star that defines the design of 2025.
