DALLAS – Sophomore guard Zahra King has quickly become a pivotal force for the SMU Mustangs women’s basketball team, stepping into a leadership role and exceeding expectations this season. Thrust into the starting lineup and, unexpectedly, the point guard position due to teammate injuries, the 5-foot-10-inch guard has embraced the challenge, leading the team in scoring and demonstrating remarkable adaptability.
King’s journey this season embodies resilience and a willingness to embrace opportunity. Averaging 15 points per game her performance has surged recently, with an average of 17.8 points over the last 13 games. This transformation highlights her dedication and ability to elevate her game when her team needs it most. The sophomore’s impact extends beyond scoring, as she’s become a key facilitator and defensive presence for the Mustangs.
From Role Player to Leading Scorer
Initially, King focused on preparing for any role she could fill. “When opportunities arrive and knock on your door, you have to be able to be prepared and take them,” King said. “I believe that’s what I was ready to do.” That preparation was tested when injuries forced a shift in the lineup, leading to King taking on the responsibilities of a point guard – a position she hadn’t regularly played. Despite the challenge, she has excelled, shooting 44.9% from the field, placing her among the most efficient guards in the ACC – third only to Notre Dame’s Hannah Hidalgo and Cassandre Prosper, according to BVM Sports.
The adjustment hasn’t been seamless. King acknowledges the complexities of running the offense, a departure from her preferred style of play. “It’s been a little bit of a challenge that I’ve been working through,” she explained. “But playing out of position… I like playing off the ball and letting the game come to me. But now in a point guard role, you have to set up your teammates.” She’s learning to balance scoring with playmaking, understanding when to attack and when to facilitate for her teammates.
A Record-Breaking Performance at Pitt
King’s breakout moment came on January 18th in a road game against Pittsburgh, where she delivered a career-high 40-point performance, leading SMU to their first ACC victory. The game was particularly special as her entire family traveled from New York to watch her play. King shot 11 of 19 from the floor, including 7 of 12 from beyond the arc, and a perfect 11 of 13 from the free-throw line, adding three assists, four steals, and three rebounds. This performance not only secured a crucial win but likewise etched her name in SMU history, tying for the third-most points scored in a single game, a record previously held since 1997 when Shawna Ford scored 42 against TCU, BVM Sports reports. She is also tied for second in most 3s made in a game by a Mustang.
Despite the individual accolades, King emphasizes the importance of team dynamics. With only four players on the 15-player roster having appeared in all 28 games this season, consistency has been a challenge. “Another layer of difficulty… is learning those tendencies of her teammates with many of them in and out of the lineup,” BVM Sports noted.
Growth and Guidance from Coach Barnes
King credits SMU coach Adia Barnes with helping her navigate these challenges and unlock her potential. Barnes has provided King with the freedom to learn and grow, trusting her with increased responsibility on the court. “I love the fact that she believes in me and has the trust in me,” King said. “It’s cool that she trusts me to learn these new things, gives me the reigns to go score and be free and play my game.” Barnes’ guidance extends beyond on-court strategy, focusing on film study and breaking down complex game situations to help King slow the game down and make better decisions.
As the regular season nears its conclusion with two games remaining, Zahra King’s continued development will be crucial for the SMU Mustangs. Her ability to adapt, score, and lead will be vital as the team looks to build momentum heading into postseason play. The focus will be on maintaining consistency and further refining her role as a key playmaker for the Mustangs.
What’s next for King and the SMU Mustangs remains to be seen, but her dedication and growth this season have undoubtedly positioned her as a player to watch in the ACC, and beyond.
Share your thoughts on Zahra King’s impressive season in the comments below!
