She hasn't made as loud of a splash as some of her rookie counterparts this season, but last night Storm rookie Dominique Malonga put on quite a show against the Sky and made WNBA history while doing so. Malonga, who is only 19 years old, became the youngest player in league history to reach 100 points and to hit a double-double (14 points, 10 rebounds) in 17 minutes of play — and she reminded league veterans that international players are here to stay, and that they will be tough opponents in the 2028 Olympic Games.
The record Malonga broke was previously set by Liz Cambage in 2011 — and she bested that one by 40 days.
Malonga hasn't always been on the receiving end of consistent minutes this season, and up until last night a lot of fans were still unfamiliar with her game. But she's a huge talent with a limitless ceiling, and the Storm's decision to draft her as the No. 2 overall pick this year will likely pay off for the team in spades.
Malonga has near limitless potential
At 19, Malonga is the youngest player in the WNBA and several years younger than her fellow rookies, but that doesn't mean her talent is any less. Malonga has years of professional international basketball experience, including plenty of matches against WNBA players who have played overseas, and can more than hold her own — a reality that might make the 2028 Olympics here in the States very interesting.
Malonga is also fortune to be surrounded by incredible veterans at the Storm. Her team currently boasts Nneka Ogwumike, Skylar Diggins, Gabby Williams, Erica Wheeler, Alysha Clark, Ezi Magbegor, and more — many of whom have won championships and Olympic medals, and who know how to achieve true greatness.
Dominique Malonga is the part of the future of the WNBA
Malonga's early success in the league is also a strong indication of what the WNBA and fans can expect from international players in the future. While the league is the best women's pro league in the world, that doesn't mean the US is the only country teeming with potential talent. That's something many WNBA fans have always known, as there have always been plenty of international players hooping in the States, but that long-simmering pot is beginning to boil over.
That can only be a good thing for the health and strength of the league as a whole. The WNBA is expanding, which gives home-grown and international talent more opportunities than ever before to make a roster and stay there.