WNBA Draft 2025: Seattle Storm’s Bold Move and Social Media Buzz
The 2025 WNBA draft class has certainly added a new level of excitement to the league, and it’s not just because of the fresh talent. The draft has brought a wave of energy and anticipation, especially with the Seattle Storm’s selection of Dominique Malonga as the second overall pick. But before we dive into the details, let’s set the stage with the first pick of the draft.
The Dallas Wings kicked things off by selecting Paige Bueckers as the No. 1 pick. This was a move that many expected, given Bueckers’ impressive track record and potential to make an immediate impact in the league. But it was the Seattle Storm who made headlines with their choice of 6-foot-6 center Dominique Malonga from France at No. 2.
Malonga’s selection was not just about her height and skills on the court. Before her WNBA debut, a video clip of Malonga performing a drop-step spin cycle move that ended with an effortless one-handed slam dunk went viral on social media back in 2022. This clip showcased her athleticism and potential to bring something new to the league.
As the draft unfolded, social media was abuzz with reactions, especially from players themselves. On early Tuesday morning, Los Angeles Sparks forward Rickea Jackson took to Twitter to express her hopes of not becoming the first WNBA player to be put on a poster by Malonga.
Lord please don’t let me be the first WNBA player to get dunked on🙏🏾. Amen https://t.co/jTKABFYJkt
— RJ👑 (@iamthathooper) April 15, 2025
Just a few hours later, a fan jokingly suggested on social media that they hoped either Jackson or Aliyah Boston of the Indiana Fever would be the first to get dunked on. Jackson, who had already expressed her reluctance to be posterized, responded with a humorous retort.
????? I beg your dearest pardon https://t.co/XLUj8zCPUK
— RJ👑 (@iamthathooper) April 15, 2025
Adding to the fun, Sydney Colson, a guard for the Fever known for her comedic personality, chimed in with her own playful wish.
Lord please let Rickea be the first WNBA player to get dunked on🙏🏾. Amen! https://t.co/bQVA7SPSk4
— Sydney Colson (@SydJColson) April 15, 2025
Meanwhile, the Storm capitalized on the buzz by posting a clip on social media of Malonga executing a powerful two-handed dunk in New York, teasing fans with what they can expect from the new center.
Couldn’t leave New York without witnessing Dominique dunk 😤 pic.twitter.com/2JPTHTL3zd
— Seattle Storm (@seattlestorm) April 15, 2025
To put things in perspective, only eight players have dunked in the history of the WNBA. Lisa Leslie was the trailblazer, becoming the first player to dunk in a game back in 2002 against the Miami Sol. Since then, there have been 38 in-game dunks, with Brittney Griner and Jonquel Jones being the remaining active players to have achieved this feat.
As for Rickea Jackson, she was the fourth pick of the 2024 WNBA draft and had an impressive rookie season with the Sparks, averaging 13.4 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 1.5 assists. Sydney Colson, on the other hand, is a two-time WNBA champion with the Las Vegas Aces and signed a one-year deal as a free agent in February.
- Dominique Malonga’s selection has sparked excitement and anticipation for the upcoming WNBA season.
- Social media has become a platform for players to engage in light-hearted banter and build camaraderie.
- The history of dunking in the WNBA adds context to the significance of Malonga’s potential impact.
As the new season approaches, fans and players alike are eagerly waiting to see how these new dynamics will play out on the court. Will Dominique Malonga live up to the hype and bring a new era of dunking to the WNBA? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: the 2025 WNBA draft has set the stage for an exciting season ahead.
Originally Written by: Kalan Hooks
