French wave continues as "female version of Wembanyama" set to dominate in WNBA

The French Revolution is being televised year after year, whether it be the NBA Draft or now the WNBA Draft. Dominique Malonga, a 6'6" center from France, was drafted number two overall by the Seattle Storm tonight.

In a draft where Paige Bueckers (deservedly) hoarded most of the spotlight, Malonga has the potential to be the best player in this draft, and she got a ringing endorsement from Spurs legend Tony Parker.

The 19-year-old prospect has a versatile game with endless potential. She defends the rim, finishes around the basket, and moves her feet well. She'll be one of the biggest women in the W, and she's the exact kind of player the Storm needs as their veteran roster needs an influx of youthful talent. Malonga could very well be the franchise player of Seattle's future.

France has quickly becoming a hub for elite basketball prospects

There were only four French-born players to play in the NBA before Tony Parker was drafted by the Spurs. There have been 48 since then, and now it's spilling into the Women's National Basketball Association.

The NBA has been expanding the fan base of the league for a long time. Global marketing has almost always been a part of the plan, and they've done a masterful job of it. Parker is on the record talking about the impact the Dream Team had on him growing up, and years later, he was selected to play in San Antonio alongside Tim Duncan.

The difference between that time and now isn't just the number of French-born players selected to play in the NBA and WNBA. It's where they're being drafted. Victor Wembanyama was touted as the best prospect ever in any sport, so obviously the Silver and Black took him first overall.

In the subsequent draft, two more French players—Zaccharie Risacher and Alex Sarr—were the first two picks off the board. There were a total of eight players drafted from France in the past two classes.

Malonga is continuing the trend and taking it to the rapidly growing WNBA. Her defense will be stout right out of the gate, but they'll need to be prepared for her offense, too. The talented center can handle the ball well, knows how to move without the ball, is a good passer, and can knock down her jump shot.

She's a Jill of all trades, and if that sounds familiar, it should. Wembanyama entered the league able to do anything you could think of on the basketball court. Malonga has a similar projection, and if she reaches her potential, you'll hear her name much more often.