Monique Akoa Makani is a Cameroonian-French professional basketball player who currently plays guard for the Phoenix Mercury in the WNBA. Known for her scoring, playmaking, and international experience, Makani has quickly become one of the league’s most intriguing newcomers.
Early Life and Background
-
Full Name: Monique Akoa Makani
-
Date of Birth: February 4, 2001
-
Hometown: Bafang, Cameroon (moved to France at age nine)
-
Height: 5’10″–5’11” (1.79–1.80 m)
-
Weight: Not widely listed
-
Position: Guard (shooting guard/point guard)
-
Early Career:
-
Began playing football before switching to basketball in school
-
Joined local club Basket Charpennes Croix-Luizet, then spent nine years in the ASVEL Féminin training center
-
Never played college basketball in the United States; developed through the European club system
-
Professional Career
-
France:
-
ASVEL Féminin (2018–2021):
-
Promoted to the first team in 2019
-
Helped win the Ligue Féminine de Basketball (LFB) title in 2018–19
-
Limited playing time in subsequent seasons
-
-
CSP Nantes-Rezé (2021–2022):
-
Averaged 12.8 points per game in Ligue 2
-
-
Charnay Basket Bourgogne Sud (2022–2025):
-
Led team to league title and promotion to LFB (2022–23)
-
Averaged 12.5 points per game in LFB (2023–24), 14.7 points per game (2024–25)
-
-
Tango Bourges Basket (2025–2026):
-
Signed with top-tier French club for the upcoming season
-
-
-
WNBA:
-
Phoenix Mercury (2025–present):
-
Signed a training camp contract in March 2025
-
Made the final roster
-
Notable rookie: made 15 three-pointers in her first seven games (second only to Diana Taurasi’s 16 in 2004 for a Mercury rookie)
-
Became the first Mercury rookie since Brittney Griner in 2013 to score in double digits in four straight games
-
-
International Career
-
Cameroon Women’s National Team:
-
Competed at the 2023 Women’s AfroBasket and qualifiers for 2024 AfroBasket
-
2023 AfroBasket Stats:
-
Averaged 10.4 points, 5.0 rebounds, 5.4 assists per game
-
Shot 43.5% from the field, 36.8% from three, 100% from the free-throw line
-
Led team in assists, ranked third in the tournament for assists per game
-
-
Achievements & Honors
-
Phoenix Mercury (WNBA, 2025)
-
Ligue Féminine de Basketball champion (2018–19, ASVEL Féminin)
-
Promoted to LFB with Charnay Basket Bourgogne Sud (2022–23)
-
Averaged 14.7 points per game in LFB (2024–25)
-
Cameroon national team member (since 2023)
-
Notable WNBA rookie: 15 three-pointers in first seven games, four straight double-digit scoring games
-
Signed with Tango Bourges Basket (2025–26)
Playing Profile
-
Strengths:
-
Elite three-point shooting and scoring
-
Versatile playmaker and ball handler
-
High basketball IQ and leadership
-
Clutch performer in big games
-
-
Style:
-
Aggressive, sharpshooting guard who excels in transition and half-court offense
-
Brings toughness, championship experience, and a team-first mentality
-
FAQs About Monique Akoa Makani
What position does Monique Akoa Makani play?
Guard (shooting guard/point guard)
Which team does she play for?
Phoenix Mercury (WNBA)
How old is Monique Akoa Makani?
24 (born February 4, 2001)
What are her main achievements?
WNBA roster with Phoenix Mercury, Ligue Féminine de Basketball champion, promoted to LFB with Charnay, averaged 14.7 points in LFB, Cameroon national team member, notable WNBA rookie three-point shooting
What is her playing style?
Versatile, sharpshooting guard with elite scoring and playmaking
Conclusion
Monique Akoa Makani is a dynamic and accomplished guard whose scoring, playmaking, and international success have made her a valuable addition to the Phoenix Mercury and a rising star in women’s basketball.
(Age, statistics, and honors are as of June 2025.)
