Seattle’s success this season is a result of both its accomplished veterans and a rookie who is quickly demonstrating her place among the WNBA’s elite. Dominique Malonga, a talented forward with a distinct combination of size, skill, and basketball intelligence, has been making an impact with the Seattle Storm.
Seattle’s veteran core has played a significant role in Malonga’s smooth transition to the professional game. Her development can be attributed to her daily habits, preparation, and professionalism.
“I’m learning from them every day just by watching how they work — their discipline, their work ethic, and how well they know the game,” Malonga told RG. “I see them studying film, talking about what happened in the game, and preparing the right way. I can always go to them with questions, and they give me advice. Honestly, I’m blessed to be around these kinds of players. Even without talking, just watching them teaches me a lot.”
Taking in knowledge has not gone unnoticed. Nneka Ogwumike, a prominent voice in the league, lauded Malonga’s intelligence and adaptability.
“She is a very smart person, a very smart player,” Ogwumike said. “You can tell that she soaks everything in, and she wants to go out and do the right thing. Every day is some level of improvement or some level of evolution. … It’s about the process of development with her, and she’s locked into that.”
Skylar Diggins, a seasoned guard and leader for the Storm, expressed the same thought, pointing out the expanding influence of Malonga on the floor, even as she continues to learn the subtleties of the league.
“She knows her strengths, and what I see is her being more physical in the paint, taking her time, understanding that there’s nothing they can do with her when she decides,” Diggins-Smith said. “She’s literally just scratching the surface. I tell her all the time, she’s going to be a star for the next 20 years in this league. She doesn’t have a ceiling. … I love her approach and her attitude. To see her growth this year has been special.”
Despite playing a supporting role behind well-established All-Stars, Malonga has provided a crucial contribution.
“She’s playing behind two All-Stars, and she’s an All-Star in her own right in her role for us,” Diggins added. “We need what she brings to the table.”
Her influence has been well-received beyond Seattle as well. Cameron Brink, a prominent forward for the Los Angeles Sparks, is one of those who have noticed.
“She is a great player, so I’m looking forward to it,” Brink said when asked about competing against Malonga.
The respect from peers across the league demonstrates how quickly Malonga has earned her place. She’s not just a promising rookie; she’s a young star in the making, poised to help shape the future of the Storm and perhaps the WNBA itself. The roadmap provided by Seattle’s veterans is evident in Dominique Malonga, who is proving to be the perfect student — one whose potential is limitless.
