Dominique Malonga is a French professional basketball player who currently plays center for the Seattle Storm in the WNBA. Recognized for her remarkable athleticism, shot-blocking, and rebounding, Malonga made history as the youngest player ever drafted into the WNBA and has already achieved international success at a young age.
Early Life and Background
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Full Name: Dominique Malonga
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Date of Birth: November 16, 2005
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Hometown: Yaoundé, Cameroon (moved to France at age 15)
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Height: 6’6″ (1.98 m)
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Weight: Not widely listed
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Position: Center
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Family:
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Daughter of Agathe N’Nindjem-Yolemp, a former professional basketball player for Cameroon, and Thalance Malonga, a former player for the Republic of Congo
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Raised in a multicultural environment and remains connected to her Cameroonian and Congolese heritage
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Began her basketball journey at the same academy where her mother trained
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Early Career:
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Signed with ASVEL Féminin (Lyon, France) at age 15
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Recognized for her explosive athleticism and rare ability to dunk as a center
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Professional Career
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France:
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ASVEL Féminin (2021–2023):
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Rookie season (2021–22): 6.0 points, 5.0 rebounds per game
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2022–23 season: 6.4 points, 3.3 rebounds per game (injury-shortened)
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Tarbes Gespe Bigorre (2023–24, on loan):
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Averaged 11.9 points, 8.9 rebounds, 1.4 blocks per game in 25 games
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ASVEL Féminin (2024–25):
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Returned to ASVEL and continued to develop
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Set a record by becoming the first Frenchwoman to dunk in an official game (later clarified that another player had dunked weeks earlier in a lower division)
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WNBA:
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Seattle Storm (2025–present):
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Drafted second overall in the 2025 WNBA Draft
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Youngest player ever drafted into the WNBA (19 years, 5 months)
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Expected to be a foundational player for the Storm’s future
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International and National Team Career
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France U16 (2021):
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FIBA U16 Women’s European Challengers
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Averaged 19.8 points, 9.8 rebounds, 1.2 steals, 2.8 blocks per game
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Helped France qualify for the 2022 FIBA U17 World Cup
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France U17 (2022):
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FIBA U17 Women’s Basketball World Cup
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Averaged 18 points, 10 rebounds per game
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Bronze medalist
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Scored 28 points, 17 rebounds in the bronze medal game
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Named to the all-tournament team
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Led the tournament in efficiency (22.4), ranked second in scoring, fourth in rebounds
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France Senior Team (2024):
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Selected for the 2024 FIBA Women’s Olympic Qualifying Tournament
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Averaged 9.0 points, 3.3 rebounds per game
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Named to France’s roster for the 2024 Paris Olympics
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Youngest team member at age 18
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Averaged 7.1 minutes, 2.8 points, 2.0 rebounds, 0.8 blocks per game
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Helped France win a silver medal
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Achievements & Honors
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Seattle Storm (WNBA, 2025)
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Youngest player ever drafted into the WNBA (2025, second overall)
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First Frenchwoman to dunk in a top-tier official game (later clarified)
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Olympic silver medalist (France, 2024)
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FIBA U17 World Cup bronze medalist (France, 2022)
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All-tournament team, FIBA U17 World Cup
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Led tournament in efficiency, second in scoring, fourth in rebounds (FIBA U17 World Cup, 2022)
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Professional experience in top French and European leagues
Playing Profile
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Strengths:
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Elite athleticism and shot-blocking
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Strong rebounding and scoring in the paint
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High basketball IQ and leadership for her age
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Versatile defender and finisher
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Style:
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Explosive, athletic center who excels in transition and half-court offense
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Brings toughness, championship experience, and a team-first mentality
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FAQs About Dominique Malonga
What position does Dominique Malonga play?
Center
Which team does she play for?
Seattle Storm (WNBA)
How old is Dominique Malonga?
19 (born November 16, 2005)
What are her main achievements?
Youngest WNBA draftee ever, Olympic silver medalist, FIBA U17 World Cup bronze medalist, all-tournament team honors, first Frenchwoman to dunk in a top-tier official game (later clarified)
What is her playing style?
Explosive, athletic center with elite shot-blocking and rebounding
Conclusion
Dominique Malonga is a groundbreaking and accomplished center whose youth, athleticism, and international success have made her a rising star for the Seattle Storm and one of the most exciting prospects in women’s basketball.
