The WNBA’s 2025 season hasn’t even tipped off yet, but the headlines are already heating up — and not just because of Caitlin Clark vs. Angel Reese. That rivalry may have dominated the 2024 storylines, from jersey sales to jawing on court, but this year? There’s a new name stirring up early tension: Paige Bueckers. And her race for Rookie of the Year isn’t going to be a solo sprint.

After missing the entire 2022–23 college season and returning with a vengeance for UConn, Bueckers walked into the 2025 WNBA Draft with one of the highest profiles in women’s hoops. A household name already — thanks to her college heroics, viral mixtapes, and media-savvy presence — Bueckers had the momentum, the following, and the expectation that she’d be the clear-cut frontrunner for Rookie of the Year.

But as ESPN’s Elle Duncan pointed out on a recent episode of The Elle Duncan Show, there’s someone Paige — and the rest of us — need to keep an eye on. “I could see her, you know, competing with Paige,” Duncan said. But she wasn’t alone.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if it was literally only Dominique Malonga.” Gary echoed the same. Yep. Dominique Malonga, the 6’6″ phenom from France, just might be Bueckers’ biggest challenge in the ROTY race.

The Seattle Storm used their No. 2 overall pick to draft Malonga, making her the highest-drafted French player in WNBA history. And she didn’t land there by accident. Malonga turned heads last fall after throwing down a one-handed dunk during a EuroCup Women game — becoming the first French female player to ever dunk in an official game. She’d then average 15 points and 10.3 rebounds in helping her national team to a silver medal at the Paris Olympics. 

She’s been described by none other than Tony Parker as “the female version of Victor Wembanyama.” Yeah, that’s the sincerest kind of compliment, considering Wemby just torched the NBA as the reigning Rookie of the Year. 

Malonga stands 6’6” with a 7’1” wingspan. Just nine players in the WNBA last season were that tall — and none moved like Dominique. She glides in transition, switches onto guards without blinking, and Euro-steps her way through crowded paint. 

That’s why Elle Duncan isn’t the only one sounding the alarm. Previously, Rachel DeMita would also go on to note how we cannot place Caitlin Clark-like expectations on Paige because she is coming from a rather comfortable setting involving 5-star recruits around her. “I don’t think we can have Piage on that kind of pedestal. I don’t think we should put that kind of pressure on Paige,” she’d say, comparing the rosters around CC and the UConn star. 

But you can’t deny the run she has had either. The grit and resilience to bounce back after injuries aside, she finished with the third-highest career points in UConn history. Her NCAA tournament scoring alone surpassed Maya Moore, and averaged a .534/.419/.889 shooting split as one of the most efficient guards in the nation.

Then if Malonga gets off to a fast start — especially with those jaw-dropping plays that go viral in a flash — she’s not just going to be in the ROTY conversation. She might be in the competition. 

Geno Auriemma names what sets Paige Bueckers apart

A three-time All-American, former Naismith Player of the Year, and the face of UConn’s championship squad, Bueckers capped her legendary college career by winning it all just eight days before being drafted. If there was ever a mic-drop entrance into the pros, that was it.

“She’s going to be a risk-taker,” Geno Auriemma said during the ESPN broadcast. “And you’re going to have to live with some of the risks, because most times they actually pay off.” Well, Paige bringing a lot with her: court vision, scoring touch, leadership, charisma, and a style that pops off the screen.

Dominique Malonga might be the biggest physical matchup Paige Bueckers will face in the Rookie of the Year race. But the real challenge? Beating Paige in impact, consistency, and presence. That’s no small task. Still, Malonga looks ready for it. Seattle drafted her to shine, and she’s stepping into that role fast. She’s got the size and the overseas experience to back it up. And maybe that’s exactly what the WNBA needs — a new rivalry, a new spotlight, and two phenoms pushing each other, and the game, to new heights.