French Women Shine in the WNBA: The Numbers Speak for Themselves

The presence of French players in the WNBA is not only growing in number but also in impact. Ornella Bankole, previously with Zaragoza, has joined a growing list of talents, including Monique Akoa Makani (Phoenix), who also holds Cameroonian nationality and plays for their national team.

The sheer quantity of French players making their mark is remarkable, and their performance statistics are even more impressive. Eight players are averaging over 8 points per game, with Valériane Ayayi nearing this mark with 7.3 points after a slow start to the season.

Leading the charge are two All-Stars: Dominique Malonga, averaging 15.9 points and 7.4 rebounds for Seattle, and Gabby Williams, contributing 15.0 points, 3.5 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 1.6 steals for Golden State. Also making a significant impact is 22-year-old Carla Leite, the leading scorer (15.4 points) and passer (15.6) for the Portland Fire. Intriguingly, the 1.73m point guard has only accumulated 4 caps for the French national team for various reasons.

Six of these French WNBA players are rookies. Among them is Pauline Astier, the point guard for the New York Liberty, who is posting 10.0 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 3.8 assists. Noémie Brochant is also averaging 8 points and is notable as the only player in this group expected to play in the Wonderligue in Charleville next season.

The question remains: how many of these WNBA-stamped players will be included in the French national team for this summer's World Cup, especially with a minimalist preparation period?

English Translation:

The number of French women making their mark in the WNBA is significant, and their performance is even more noteworthy. Ornella Bankole (Toronto), previously associated with Zaragoza, has joined a growing roster that includes Monique Akoa Makani (Phoenix), who also holds Cameroonian citizenship and represents that country's national team.

The sheer quantity is striking, and the quality is even more so. Eight players are averaging more than 8 points, and Valériane Ayayi is approaching this figure with 7.3 points after a challenging start to the season.

Leading the pack are, as expected, the two All-Stars: Dominique Malonga (15.9 points and 7.4 rebounds in Seattle) and Gabby Williams (15.0 points, 3.5 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 1.6 steals in Golden State). Also prominent is Carla Leite, who at 22 years old is the leading scorer (15.4 points) and assist provider (15.6) for the Portland Fire. An anomaly is that the 1.73m point guard has, for various reasons, only 4 caps for the French national team so far.

Six of these players are rookies, including Pauline Astier, the point guard for the New York Liberty, who is averaging 10.0 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 3.8 assists. We can also highlight the 8 points per game average of Noémie Brochant, the only player in this group announced to be playing in the Wonderligue in Charleville in the fall.

How many of these WNBA-labeled players will be included in the French team for this summer's World Cup, with a minimalistic preparation?