The Storm's controversial offseason move is already paying dividends for their young talent, Dominique Malonga.
Malonga, who was set to play for the Turkish EuroLeague powerhouse Fenerbahce, decided to back out of her contract and sign with Unrivaled instead. This decision sparked concerns about Fenerbahce's impact on Malonga's future in the WNBA. However, Malonga's performance in Unrivaled has proven to be a wise choice.
In the fast-paced three-on-three setting, Malonga quickly adapted and delivered impressive performances. She played under her first WNBA head coach, Noelle Quinn, and faced veteran WNBA bigs, showcasing her versatility and athleticism. Malonga's height and long arms make her a formidable presence in the full-court setting, allowing her to run the floor, bring the ball up, and establish a strong presence around the rim.
Malonga's success in Unrivaled is evident through her starting spot on Breeze BC, one of Unrivaled's newest teams, alongside Paige Bueckers, Rickea Jackson, Cameron Brink, Kate Martin, and Aari McDonald. The team's youth and inexperience with Unrivaled's format were initially concerns, but Breeze BC has taken the league by storm, winning their first two games with exciting plays. Malonga's performance has been a significant factor in their success.
In her debut, Malonga dominated against a Phantom team featuring WNBA All-Stars Aliyah Boston and Kiki Iriafen, scoring 17 points and grabbing 14 rebounds. She followed up with 15 points and 13 rebounds against the Hive, showcasing her ability to handle pressure and compete against veterans like Ezi Magbegor and Monique Billings. Malonga's performance against top competition is a testament to her potential and the value of her decision to join Unrivaled.
Unrivaled seems to be an ideal setting for Malonga's development, providing her with more court time and opportunities than she might have had with Fenerbahce. Additionally, playing under Noelle Quinn, who understands Malonga's needs after her rookie season, further enhances her growth. This controversial move is proving to be a strategic decision, setting Malonga up for a successful second WNBA season.
