When Seattle Storms Swamps Jewelroids for the 2025 2nd Overall Pick WNBA Draft, they knew it was because they could get good players. Not only are they great, they are also a generational franchise player who will lead them to the next chapter. The Paige Bueckers were the unanimous first-place overall pick this year, but in the weeks leading up to the draft it became clear that the estimated No. 2 pick is also a historically good player.
It all began when Olivia Miles decided to return to another year in college, rather than declare a draft. Among them, Dominique Malonga’s name was thrown into the second spot in the draft after coming into the top five all year round. Once people actually started diving deep into Malonga as a prospect… it was pretty certain that Seattle wouldn’t miss out on the opportunity to pick her up.
Malonga, the best draft player now coming out of France, may be one of the best players to join the WNBA for years, from the foundations of league response. With the recent very guard heavy draft, she certainly has a case of becoming the best frontcourt player to be drafted in recent history. There is evidence to suggest that even if Miles decides to enter the draft, Malonga would probably have been second anyway.
A silver medalist at the Paris 2024 Olympics, Malonga is only 19 years old and has been playing professionally in Europe since 2021. The French basketball league is beginning to see talent levels rise. Not only does she have experience fighting high levels of competition in the Euroleague, but she also jumps off the page with just her physical measurements.
The Malonga is 6’6″ tall, has a 7’1″ wingspan and has large hands to match the height. She can dunk the ball in a way that makes it look easy and can do so frequently during the game. Not only does she have post player skills such as rebound, post scoring, rim protection, she can handle basketball as well as shoot across the three-point line. At 19, she not only has immeasurable potential, but she also has the ordeal skills to prove that she is a star. She is also the youngest person drafted by the WNBA.
I went to see Dominique Malonga, the second pick in the WNBA Draft, work out in New York. He was blown away by how talented she is. 6’6, 7’1 wingspan, huge hands. Dunk easily. Makes the NBA-Range Pullup 3S easier. He is only 19 years old. Seattle storms got something good. pic.twitter.com/bolnv49uq1
– Jonathan Givony (@draftexpress) April 15, 2025
The potential of her in Arashi is particularly immeasurable. Seattle is known to take opportunities for international talent, including Eji Magbegour, a current frontcourt trail blazer, which was drafted from Australia in 2019. The idea of combining Magbegaard (25) and Malonga (19) over the years in Seattle should be scary for other teams. Both are players with huge versatility, and if Malonga can run and defend from anywhere on the floor, Seattle will be dangerous if Magbegore is dominated by the post.
Malonga is a testament to European basketball, and young players are not taught about basketball in traditional positions. Each player puts all the drills together in the security, wings and post drills, regardless of your height. Regardless of position, players learn how to handle the ball at a young European age. The position is rarely enforced in youth basketball. Once players begin to play professionally or at a higher level, they start to be specifically trained in those niche positions, but they still hold all of those skills.
The result was a surge in unique and versatile European players, especially tall players. You’re a male player like 6’6 inch female player like Malonga or Victor Wenbagnama like 7’3 inch male player and you can work under the hoop, but do you work like a guard? Well, you have the potential to be a serious MVP.
Considering Lloyd was actively hoping from Seattle, Arashi not only traded the six-time All-Stars for a priority destination, but also managed to secure his own future. The only conclusion is that it is a great deal for them. Malonga is not only draft steel, even No. 2, but also the cornerstone of the franchise that can influence this team for years to come.
Looking back at this draft class over the next few years, of course, the Bueckers will have a big impact on the league. But Malonga will also be an incredible star defining the 2025 draft.
