With No. 2 pick, Storm draft WNBA’s potential answer to Wemby

Apr 14, 2025, 4:53 PM | Updated: 8:11 pm

Seattle Storm WNBA Draft Dominique Malonga...

Dominique Malonga poses with WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert after being selected by the Seattle Storm. (Elsa/Getty Images)

(Elsa/Getty Images)

BY BRENT STECKER

Editor, Seattle Sports

The Seattle Storm traded franchise cornerstone Jewell Loyd in January, but they may have a new one thanks to that very same trade.

With the No. 2 overall pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft on Monday, the Storm took Dominique Malonga, a 6-foot-6 center from France who can handle the ball and shoot from the outside.

2025 WNBA Draft: See all the Seattle Storm and local picks

Exceedingly tall, with the ability to create off the dribble and dial from long distance. Oh, and French. That’s right – the WNBA may have its answer to NBA superstar Victor Wembanyama, and she’s coming to Seattle.

Malonga can also do something rarely seen in women’s basketball – dunk.

She dunked at 16. Still dominating at 19. 💪

Dominique Malonga was the youngest player on France’s 2024 Olympic team that won silver in Paris. She’s played professionally with Lyon ASVEL in France’s top league and continues to rise as one of Europe’s most exciting young… pic.twitter.com/DJi4IhYyuH

— WNBA (@WNBA) April 11, 2025

By the way, the Wemby comparison isn’t coming from left field. French basketball legend and Hall of Fame guard Tony Parker, who starred for the NBA’s San Antonio Spurs, called her “the female version of Victor Wembamyama” back when she joined his ASVEL team in 2021 at just 16 years old.

“She’s a player that we just really haven’t seen before,” one GM said, according to The Athletic.

What makes Seattle Storm draft pick Dominique Malonga so interesting

Now 19, Malonga is averaging 15 points and 10.3 rebounds so far this season while playing for ASVEL in the French league. The Cameroon native also played for the French Olympic team last summer.

Remember the name: Dominique Malonga ✨

Meet the 19 year old, 6’6 center from France before tonight’s #WNBADraft presented by @StateFarm pic.twitter.com/75wYZ6AUX4

— WNBA (@WNBA) April 14, 2025

“Dominique is a rising global star and we are thrilled to welcome her to Seattle,” Seattle Storm general manager Talisa Rhea said in a press release. “She brings versatility, skill and a high level of efficiency. We know she’ll be an integral part of our team, now and for years to come.”

Malonga was taken after UConn star Paige Bueckers, long the expected No. 1 pick for the 2025 class, went to the Dallas Wings with the top selection.

The Seattle Storm in 2025

Seattle already had a formidable frontcourt before adding Malonga. Also on the Storm roster is former WNBA MVP and 2024 All-Star forward Nneka Ogwumike, 2023 All-Star and three-time All-WNBA Defensive Team forward/center Ezi Magbegor, and 6-7 center Li Yueru. The Storm also have forward Gabby Williams, who played alongside Malonga for France in the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Seattle acquired the No. 2 pick and Yueru from the Los Angeles Sparks, plus a 2026 first-round pick from the Las Vegas Aces, in the three-team trade centered around Loyd. The Storm also sent the No. 9 overall pick to Los Angeles and a 2026 second-rounder to Vegas in the deal that sent Loyd to Vegas and former UW Huskies star Kelsey Plum to Los Angeles.

WA native Hailey Van Lith taken in first round of WNBA Draft

Loyd, a six-time WNBA All-Star guard and the league’s 2023 scoring champ, had requested a trade after the Storm completed an internal investigation into the coaching staff and concluded there had been no “policy violations or any discrimination, harassment or bullying.”

Following the loss of Loyd, Seattle’s need was more at the guard positions. But when Notre Dame guard Olivia Miles opted to enter the transfer portal rather than the draft, Malonga’s unique talent made her the logical pick for the Storm at No. 2.

Dominique Malonga is heading to Seattle as the No. 2 pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft presented by @StateFarm! pic.twitter.com/d20KS0PC8m

— WNBA (@WNBA) April 14, 2025

The Storm also made three picks in the third and final round of Monday’s WNBA Draft. They traded their second-round pick (21st overall) plus a 2027 second-rounder to Los Angeles for guard Lexie Brown in February.

Seattle Storm draft guard whose brother plays for Seahawks

Seattle went 25-15 in 2024, finishing third in the Western Conference and returning to the WNBA Playoffs just two seasons after the retirement of franchise icon Sue Bird and the departure of former MVP Breanna Stewart to the New York Liberty in free agency.

This draft is the first to include the expansion Golden State Valkyries, who will join the WNBA as its 13th team in 2025. The league is also set to add the Toronto Tempo and as yet unnamed Portland team in 2026.