A significant contingent of French talent is set to compete in the WNBA this season, with twelve players on the starting lineup. The list includes Marine Johannès, Pauline Astier, and Marine Fauthoux with the New York Liberty; Janelle Salaün and Gabby Williams with the Golden State Valkyries; Carla Leite with Portland; Nell Angloma and Leïla Lacan with Connecticut Sun; Monique Akoa-Makani, Valériane Ayayi, and Noémie Brochant with Phoenix Mercury; and Dominique Malonga with the Seattle Storm.
Note: Monique Akoa-Makani is currently unavailable for the French national team due to her club’s participation in the Wonderligue finals. Valériane Ayayi’s status is pending confirmation from her club in Prague.
In a survey of WNBA general managers, French players have garnered significant attention in several key categories:
Player Selections and Recognition
If you were to start a franchise today, who would you sign in the WNBA?
- Paige Bueckers, Dallas – 33%
- T-2. Caitlin Clark, Indiana – 20%
- T-2. A’ja Wilson, Las Vegas – 20%
- 3. Dominique Malonga, Seattle – 13%
Other players receiving votes include Breanna Stewart (NYL) and Napheesa Collier (MIN).
Which player has the highest chance of having a breakout season?
- T-1. Dominique Malonga, Seattle – 15%
- T-1. Rickea Jackson, Chicago – 15%
Players also receiving votes include Julie Allemand (TOR), Cameron Brink (LAS), Paige Bueckers (DAL), Kennedy Burke (CON), Veronica Burton (GSV), Rhyne Howard (ATL), Marina Mabrey (TOR), Leila Lacan (CON), and Jackie Young (LVA).
Which player transferred in the offseason will have the biggest impact?
- T-1. Angel Reese, Atlanta – 27%
- T-1. Gabby Williams, Golden State – 27%
- 3. Nneka Ogwumike, Los Angeles – 20%
- 4. Satou Sabally, New York – 13%
Other players receiving votes include Marina Mabrey (TOR) and Skylar Diggins (CHI).
What is the most underrated offseason transfer?
- T-1. Ariel Atkins, Los Angeles – 21%
- T-1. Alanna Smith, Dallas – 21%
- 3. Rickea Jackson, Chicago – 14%
- Other players receiving votes include Pauline Astier (NYL), Monique Billings (IND), Kennedy Burke (CON), Nneka Ogwumike (LAS), Nyara Sabally (TOR), and Erica Wheeler (LAS).
Which rookie has been the biggest ‘steal’ (best value for draft position)?
- T-1. Nell Angloma, Connecticut – 21%
- T-1. Ta’Niya Latson, Los Angeles – 21%
- 3. Flau’jae Johnson, Seattle – 14%
Other players receiving votes include Gianna Kneepkens (CON), Gabriela Jaquez (CHI), Cotie McMahon (WAS), Olivia Miles (MIN), Justine Pissott (IND), and Awa Fam (SEA).
Who is the best international player in the WNBA?
- 1. Jonquel Jones, New York – 33%
- 2. Janelle Salaun, Golden State – 20%
- T-3. Alanna Smith, Dallas – 13%
- T-3. Dominique Malonga, Seattle – 13%
Other players receiving votes include Leonie Fiebich (NYL), Leïla Lacan (CON), and Awa Fam (SEA).
Which country outside of the USA produces the best WNBA talent currently?
- 1. France – 100%
Who is the best defender in the WNBA?
- 1. A’ja Wilson, Las Vegas – 53%
- 2. Gabby Williams, Golden State – 20%
- 3. Alyssa Thomas, Phoenix – 13%
Other players receiving votes include DiJonai Carrington (CHI) and Alanna Smith (DAL).
Who is the best perimeter defender in the WNBA?
- 1. Gabby Williams, Golden State – 60%
- 2. Brittney Sykes, Toronto – 20%
Other players receiving votes include DiJonai Carrington (CHI), Jordin Canada (ATL), and Kahleah Copper (PHX).
Who is the most athletic player?
- 1. Brittney Sykes, Toronto – 31%
- 2. Dominique Malonga, Seattle – 15%
Other players receiving votes include Cameron Brink (LAS), Kahleah Copper (PHX), Kelsey Mitchell (IND), Saniya Rivers (CON), Gabby Williams (GSV), A’ja Wilson (LVA), and Jackie Young (LVA).
Who is the most well-rounded player in the WNBA?
- 1. Breanna Stewart, New York – 36%
- T-2. Gabby Williams, Golden State – 21%
- T-2. Alyssa Thomas, Phoenix – 21%
Other players receiving votes include Napheesa Collier (MIN), Allisha Gray (ATL), and Satou Sabally (NYL).
