Does France also have the female Victor Wembanyama? At least that’s what French icon Tony Parker believes. At 6 feet 6 inches, the 18-year-old Dominique Malonga already has the sort of physical attributes that make one instantly take notice on the court. One of them is height, without a doubt, and her ability to dunk almost effortlessly. She does something very few women have done on a basketball court, which has catapulted her into social media stardom. But hidden behind that French jersey is a story that begins over 3,000 miles away—in the very core of Africa.

Malonga has emerged as a game-changer in women’s basketball. Born on November 16, 2005, in Yaoundé, Cameroon, Malonga shares her African homeland with the French national team, which is part of a global sporting dynamics and a connection to France and Cameroon.

From humble beginnings to the French national team

Malonga’s relationship with Cameroon dates back even further than that—to her parents, Thalance Malonga and Agathe N’Nindjem-Yolemp. Both former basketball players themselves set the stage for their daughter’s future in the sport. This family connection to basketball merged with Cameroon’s rich sporting culture, which played an important role in building young Dominique’s interest and innate ability in the game.

Although not much has been recorded about her early years in Yaoundé, the influence of her Cameroonian heritage on her playing style is rather palpable. With it being called “Africa in miniature“—a country replete with cultural and geographical diversity—it has nonetheless managed to turn out some world-class athletes across a very wide array of sports. The vibrant sporting culture back at home contributed to laying the foundation for Malonga’s early years and the raw talent that she would later come to France to start refining.

This transition was going to be fundamental to her development as a player since it straddled two different cultures and basketball traditions. Indeed, though taking up her new home, Malonga has never forgotten her roots in Cameroon; she has taken the resilience, strength, and passion synonymous with African athletes with her.

Dominique Malonga’s Career with France

Her talent was quickly spotted by French basketball recruiters, and at the age of 15, she was signed by the elite French professional club ASVEL Féminin. Here, ASVEL President Tony Parker—who, being a legend in his own right, is truly considered a pioneer within French basketball—was the one who dared to pronounce it thus: “the female version of Victor Wembanyama,” laying strong expectations for what was to come.

It called for an almost meteoric rise in the ranks of French basketball. During an exhibition game in July for the Paris Olympics in 2024, Malonga scored 25 points, making 12 of her 13 shots from the floor. That early show of how good, effective, and efficient she has catapulted her into one of the very best prospects in France.

Internationally, Malonga has carried the flag high over her chest for France. She led her team to a bronze medal in the 2022 FIBA Under-17 Women’s Basketball World Cup, where she averaged a double-double on her way to making the All-Tournament Team.

She might be the youngest of the French Olympic team at the 2024 Summer Games, but her performance carries the hopes of an adopted nation even if she brings with her Cameroonian pride. She mentions her Cameroonian roots have influenced her playing style. Dominique Malonga, with her unique blend of African passion and French finesse, is poised to become a major sensation in basketball.

Stay tuned for more such updates and join us for the exciting second episode of the “Dual Threat Show” as our host BG12 sits down with Georgia Bulldogs star and Mountain West All-Freshman Team Selection, Asia Avinger.