SAN FRANCISCO – Between the Seattle Storm arriving within the Bay Space at 8 p.m. on Friday evening and a 9 a.m. shootaround, the WNBA’s most gifted rookie didn’t have any time to sightsee
However 19-year-old Dominique Malonga, the 6-foot-6 hoops prodigy with the flexibility to dunk and a mushy capturing contact, nonetheless discovered time to hang around and eat dinner with compatriot, fellow French hooper and Valkyries opponent Carla Leite, one of many few folks she knew in San Francisco.
“I was at her place yesterday,” Malonga, 19, advised the Bay Space Information Group. ”I’m joyful issues are going nicely for her, and I feel she’s an important match right here.”
Malonga’s confidence in her buddy was not misplaced. With a number of starters away from the Valkyries for EuroBasket competitors, Leite made her first begin on Saturday evening and scored 14 factors in a 76-70 victory.
“Before the game, I was a little bit nervous because it was my first time (starting),” Leite, 21, stated. “But I think I was ready.”
The WNBA rookies and former teammates on Ligue 1 powerhouse ASVEL Féminin are main a brand new wave of younger expertise that’s infusing the American league with French expertise.
Seattle’s prime prospect is arguably probably the most intriguing newcomer to hit the scene.
Malonga was the No. 2 decide within the 2025 draft, a bundle of limitless expertise thought of by many to have extra potential than any of her friends – an inventory that features Dallas Wings megastar and prime decide Paige Bueckers.
Dominque Malonga of the Seattle Storm cheers her teammates from the bench on the Chase Heart in San Francisco, CA on Saturday, June 14, 2025. (Don Feria for Bay Space Information Group)
A reputation acquainted to Bay Space school basketball followers has been integral in serving to her attain that ceiling.
Stanford alum Nneka Ogwumike continues to be one of many prime gamers within the league, 13 years after leaving The Farm because the No. 1 decide within the 2012 draft.
As soon as the rookie who needed to battle Corridor of Famer Candace Parker in observe each day, the 34-year-old is now the one tasked with guiding her younger teammate.
“She catches on to things very quickly. She’s smart, she knows what her role is,” Ogwumike advised the Bay Space Information Group. “I love seeing her become a better player every time she steps on the court.”
That enchancment has been gradual however regular, with the rookie cracking double-digit minutes in six of her final eight video games, however by no means exceeding 13 on a staff with a number of star bigs.
She performed solely six minutes towards the Valkyries, scoring simply two factors but in addition having a formidable block on Temi Fagbenle within the third quarter.
Malonga flashes high-level shot-making and defensive chops, but in addition reveals errors comprehensible from somebody so younger.
Whereas minutes have been considerably sparse, she stated enjoying in video games will not be the one option to get higher.
“She’s my accountability partner, so every time I need something, she’s there to give me advice,” Malonga stated after ending shootaround by chatting with Ogwumike on the bench. “I don’t need to ask her much because just by watching her play, I’m learning a lot. She’s been helpful since day one.”
Temi Fágbénlé of the Golden State Valkyries passes within the first half towards the protection of Nneka Ogwumike of the Seattle Storm on the Chase Heart in San Francisco, CA on Saturday, June 14, 2025. (Don Feria for Bay Space Information Group)
Her Bay Space buddy has had an analogous developmental arc up to now.
Leite was the No. 9 choice within the 2024 draft by the Dallas Wings, who left her unprotected within the growth draft and rapidly scooped up by Golden State.
The purpose guard’s daring drives, pesky protection and audacious passes have made her a fan-favorite on a surprisingly aggressive Valkyries squad that’s 5-5 and within the early playoff image.
“If she wanted to go (to EuroBasket), we would have supported her,” Valkyries coach Natalie Nakase stated. “But we’re grateful she decided to stay.”
The enjoying time has been up and down. She has performed a minimum of 20 minutes in 4 video games, however below 10 in 4 others.
However fluctuating minutes doesn’t affect her willingness to work, one thing that impresses Leite’s veteran teammate.
“She’s been in the weight room a little bit more, getting that up because she’s kind of thin. But she’s holding her own,” Kayla Thornton stated after Friday’s observe. “I’m proud of her, because she’s a rookie that hasn’t been in the league (for long) and she’s being thrown in the fire fast, but she’s grasping everything.”
Carla Leite of the Valkyries appears to be like for the basket within the first half towards the Seattle Storm on the Chase Heart in San Francisco, CA on Saturday, June 14, 2025. (Don Feria for Bay Space Information Group)
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As Leite continues to mature bodily and Malonga polishes her prodigious skillset, the sky is the restrict for not simply them as gamers, however for his or her nationwide staff.
France’s nationwide staff has a powerful historical past, with Céline Dumerc being named Europe’s girls’s basketball participant of the 12 months in 2012 and main the nation to a few EuroBasket silver medals.
However the present crop has an opportunity at gold.
Malonga was a rotation participant for the French Olympic staff, which Leite narrowly missed out on. They, together with fellow 23-year-old Valkyrie Janelle Salaün, lead what must be a future powerhouse.
“We are really talented, and you see that in the youth championships, European championships and World Cups,” Malonga stated. “France always stands out, and we have huge, huge talent.”
Leite agreed.
“It’s our job, with Dominique, Gabby (Williams), Marine (Johannes) and myself to just lead by example, because yes, we have great talent in France,” Leite stated.
Although the long run is shiny for Malonga and French basketball as a complete, Leite is exhibiting that the current will not be too shabby both for the Bay Space’s precocious level guard who made probably the most of her first begin.
“This is her first rodeo, and she’s been thrown in the fire early,” Thornton stated. “However that little lady is doing a tremendous job, and her confidence is simply out of the roof. I’m simply pleased with her.”
Carla Leite of the Golden State Valkyries shoots within the first half towards the Seattle Storm on the Chase Heart in San Francisco, CA on Saturday, June 14, 2025. (Don Feria for Bay Space Information Group)
