Dominique Malonga Makes History as Cameroonian Star Goes No. 2 in 2025 WNBA Draft

By Esther E. Otto

In a landmark moment for African basketball, 19-year-old Dominique Malonga was selected second overall by the Seattle Storm in the 2025 WNBA Draft, marking a historic achievement for Cameroonian talent on the global stage.

Born in Yaoundé, Cameroon, Malonga—who also holds French and Congolese heritage—has emerged as one of the brightest young stars in international basketball. Standing 2.00 meters tall, her selection is not only a personal triumph but a powerful symbol of the growing influence of African players in the women’s game.

Malonga’s basketball journey began at La Pépinière de Yaoundé Academy, a grassroots program that has rapidly gained recognition as a breeding ground for top-tier African talent. The academy’s impact was unmistakable on draft night, as fellow alum and rising NCAA star Yves Missi stood proudly beside her, celebrating a shared legacy and a dream realized.

Already a vice Olympic champion and standout performer in the French professional league, Malonga brings to the WNBA a rare blend of size, skill, and versatility. Her selection by the Storm also strengthens a notable connection—she follows in the footsteps of another Cameroonian standout, Dulcy Mendjiadeu Fankam, who was drafted by Seattle in 2023.

As she prepares to join one of the league’s most storied franchises, Malonga carries with her the hopes and ambitions of a new generation of African players. Her rise is more than a personal victory—it’s a beacon for the future of basketball across the continent.