The Unrivaled league once again brought out the best in the participants. Breeze BC was a hyped team and showed its capability. With Paige Bueckers, Dominique Malonga was a double-double machine for the team, leading them to an undefeated start.
While the French star showed her abilities on the floor, Malonga’s dunk got everyone excited and also put them on alert. The star, though, faced significant criticism for leaving the EuroLeague after signing a contract and playing in Unrivaled season 2.
Dominique Malonga On Choosing Unrivaled League Over EuroLeague
The Seattle Storm rookie was the top prospect and even a Rookie of the Year contender even before the season started. But her journey started slowly, culminating in multiple records, including the first teen to record a double-double in the playoffs. Although she received a lot of praise for her performance, she also faced heavy criticism for ditching the Fenerbahce contract to appear in Unrivaled season 2.
In a recent interview, she opened up on her choice and said, “I think what’s good with me is that I’m really fast for a player. I can really run the floor well, and all my athleticism and speed are really my force on the court,”
“It’s so different, the physicality between here in the States and Euro basketball. I know that this league is really physical, too, and I need to improve on that. So that’s going to be helpful too. We have the one-on-one tournament, so we’re going hard. It’s just about going hard, giving 100%, and really putting the work in to improve,” Malonga added.
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There were already theories about foreign players struggling to adapt to the USA basketball standards; the player might have made a wise choice playing in the States to test and improve her skills.
One more aspect that eventually worked out well was her partnership with Paige Bueckers as the duo successfully took on the 3-on-3 league.
Dominique Malonga Praises Paige Bueckers’ Impact
Breeze BC is made of multiple top-pick rookies, including the 2025 draft’s top two picks. Rivals on the WNBA floor, the duo combined well and became a pillar of the Breeze BC’s progress. While PB is an eventual MVP candidate in the league, the Storm forward also praised the Wings’ star.
“It’s been amazing. She’s a great playmaker, she sees the floor very well — I just have to be ready anytime because I know with her, I can get that ball all the time,” Malonga said.
Dominique Malonga on playing with Paige Bueckers in #Unrivaled:
— Wendell Epps (@epps_wendell) January 25, 2026
“It’s been amazing. She’s a great playmaker, she sees the floor very well — I just have to be ready anytime because I know with her, I can get that ball all the time.” pic.twitter.com/g5onfwHasO
Though the forward-guard pair is working well on the floor, the idea is currently struggling to make it to the playoffs and must win upcoming fixtures to challenge for direct qualification.