'Someone We Can Build With': Li Yueru Brings Size, Shooting, and Experience to Dallas Wings

Yueru acknowledged she’s still adjusting but is focused on contributing wherever she’s needed.

“For me, I’m not 100 percent sure yet what I can do,” Yueru said. “But I will try to do my best for the team. I’ll do everything the coach wants me to do—everything I can do on the court.”

She emphasized rebounding and defense as areas where she can make an immediate impact.

“I can help with rebounding and defense,” Yueru said. “This is already a really good rebounding team, so I’ll try to play harder on defense and post up more.”

Learning from the Best in Seattle

Although playing time was limited in Seattle, Yueru said her experience with the Storm was valuable, particularly because of the veteran leadership she observed.

“I think the best players are there,” Yueru said. “They taught me a lot—both the older players and the younger players.”

Yueru specifically pointed to former MVP Nneka Ogwumike and Australian Olympian Ezi Magbegor as mentors who helped shape her on and off the court.

“I really appreciate Nneka and Ezi,” Yueru said. “They taught me a lot of things, like how to be a professional player and how to enjoy life outside of basketball. They showed me how to take care of my body, how to breathe, how to stay focused. I appreciate all of it.”

A Floor Spacer With Post Presence

Koclanes praised Yueru’s ability to stretch the floor but said her size and strength must also be a factor around the rim.

“She’s a really good three-point shooter—we’re confident in her ability to space,” Koclanes said. “But we’ve got to encourage her to also bring that size to the rim, put pressure on the paint, and use it for offensive rebounding. That’s where she can make a real impact.”

Yueru previously played under current Wings general manager Curt Miller and assistants Camille Smith and Nola Henry during her time with the Los Angeles Sparks. That familiarity, she said, has helped ease her transition into Dallas.

“That really helps me because we already know each other,” Yueru said. “So I don’t need to take time to know a new coach. It’s like old friends. They know me, and they know how to teach me.”

Koclanes added that continuity should accelerate the learning curve.

“She’s mobile, she communicates, and she competes,” Koclanes said. “And having people around her she already trusts—that matters a lot in the short term.”

Chemistry, Integration, and Outlook

Yueru said she’s especially excited to team up with No. 1 overall pick Paige Bueckers.

“When the news came out, a lot of friends messaged me saying, ‘Wow, you’ll play with Paige!’” Yueru said. “I said, ‘Yes, I do.’ They love her. She’s cute—I just said hi this morning. I hope we can build something together on the court.”

Dallas, currently 1-11, is hopeful Yueru can help stabilize its post rotation and bring added versatility to both ends of the floor. Koclanes said her blend of inside-out skill, experience, and age (26) makes her not only a short-term answer but a longer-term asset.

“At just 26 years old with her international experience, she’s someone we can invest in and build with,” Koclanes said.

The Wings return to action Tuesday at College Park Center, where Yueru could make her Dallas debut against Golden State.