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'Another Opportunity to Compete': Liatu King Embraces Role with Shorthanded Dallas Wings

Originally posted on Dallas Hoops Journal
By Grant Afseth | Last updated Jul 3, 2025 6:38 PM ET

The Dallas Wings didn’t just make a roster move this week—they added a player who fits their identity. As the team battles through a stretch defined by injuries and rotation reshuffling, newly signed forward Liatu King is stepping into the fold with a game that speaks to both effort and readiness.

King, a 6-foot forward from Notre Dame, was signed to a rest-of-season contract by the Wings after appearing in 12 games with the Los Angeles Sparks earlier this year on a hardship deal.

She averaged 3.0 points and 2.1 rebounds while shooting 50% from the field in limited action, but her calling card—rebounding and interior toughness—has made her a natural fit for a Wings team that thrives on second-chance opportunities.

“I was on my way home before I got the call to be rerouted to Dallas,” King said. “But, you know, I’m blessed to have the opportunity — another opportunity to go out there and compete.”

Seamless Fit in a Battered Rotation

The Wings (5-13) continue to fight through one of the league’s most depleted injury reports. With Arike Ogunbowale (left thumb), Ty Harris (knee), Maddy Siegrist (knee), and DiJonai Carrington (rib) all sidelined, head coach Chris Koclanes has leaned heavily on a rotating frontcourt and multiple rookies. On Saturday, Dallas secured a 79-71 win over the Washington Mystics behind 15-point efforts from first-year guards JJ Quinerly and Aziaha James.

With veteran bigs Teaira McCowan and Luisa Geiselsöder just returning from EuroBasket competition and Myisha Hines-Allen listed as questionable, King provides another active body with rebounding instincts and positional discipline—two traits Koclanes has repeatedly emphasized in his frontcourt approach.

“I know they want me to come here and rebound and defend,” King said. “Those are things that I already do, so there’s not much that changes for me in that regard.”

Even with limited practice time, she’s leaned on film study and veteran guidance to quickly get up to speed.

“It’s just relying on the coaches, watching film, relying on the teammates — just kind of getting the concepts,” she said. “At the end of the day, it’s just hooping, and that’s what I know how to do.”

Proven Production at the Collegiate Level

Before entering the WNBA as the No. 28 pick in the 2025 Draft, King was one of the most consistent frontcourt players in the ACC. She spent four seasons at Pittsburgh before transferring to Notre Dame for her graduate year, where she averaged 11.5 points and a program-record 10.4 rebounds per game in 2024–25. She led the ACC in defensive rebounds (240) and earned All-ACC Second Team and Academic Team honors. In 2023–24, she posted career highs of 18.7 points and 10.3 rebounds while being named the ACC’s Most Improved Player.

“Running the floor, rebounding, defending — those are things you don’t really have to talk about,” King said. “At the end of the day, that’s really all I have to do. Everything else will fall into place.”

The Wings currently lead the WNBA in offensive rebounding percentage, and King’s ability to generate extra possessions fits right into that mold. She’s not coming in with the expectation of volume scoring or spotlight performances—just to contribute in the margins.

“I’m not trying to come here and do too much,” she added. “I’m trying to play my role. I feel like that’s, again, rebounding, playing defense, and scoring when I can.”

Dallas Wings Host Surging Phoenix Mercury

Dallas wraps up its four-game homestand Thursday night at College Park Center against the Phoenix Mercury (12-5), who currently hold the second-best record in the WNBA.

The Mercury defeated the Wings 93-80 back on June 22 in Phoenix. Despite the loss, Paige Bueckers delivered a career performance with 35 points, six rebounds, four assists, and two blocks.

With Bueckers expected to return and the Wings having won four of their last six games, the team is trending upward—albeit while still undermanned. The presence of hungry contributors like King, who bring physicality and humility to a developing rotation, could help Dallas continue that momentum.

Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. CT. Following Thursday’s matchup, the Wings begin a three-game road trip that opens with a rematch in Phoenix on Monday.

This article first appeared on Dallas Hoops Journal and was syndicated with permission.

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