They ideally launched their career across the Atlantic. The French Dominique Malonga and Janelle Salaün were both named among the five of the best rookies of the year, the WNBA announced on Monday.
Dominique Malonga, Pivot de Seattle Storm, and Janelle Salaün, wing of the Golden State Valkyries, both eliminated in the first round of the Playoffs, make up this major five in the company of the Rookie of the Year and choice number 1 of the last Draft Paige Bueckers (Dallas) and the two players of Washington, Sonia Céron and Kiki Iriafen.
Dominique Malonga, 19, had been selected second in the draft earlier this year. The versatile interior (1.98 m) cumulated 7.7 points and 4.6 rebounds at the bench this season (14 minutes on average).
Salaün, the good surprise
Janelle Salaün, 24 years old, was one of the good surprises of the year in the Valkyries, a franchise created in 2025, with 11.3 points, 5.1 rebounds and a major role during her 36 games for the San Francisco team.
When he arrived in the big league, Malonga had placed the high bar. “Leaving my trace in history is also the best way to thank all the people who helped me be where I am. I want to mark my career as historical moments, ”she launched. The former ASVEL player has already left her mark on the winning record.
