POSTED BY: Eurobasket News
Kristina Puthoff-King
By Ying-Chou Chou , Featured Columnist
TAIPEI, TAIWAN -- Former University of Richmond women's basketball star Kristina King (180-G/F-92, college: Richmond) checked another incredible accomplishment off her impressive list this week as she was selected to return to Team USA Jones Cup Women's Select Team that will compete at Taipei, Taiwan this summer. Last summer King was awarded AsiaBasket.com All-WJC 2nd Team.
King has played two-years professionally since leaving Richmond (Iceland, Romania). She was later named the Icelandic Powerade Cup MVP in Iceland along with Eurobasket.com All-Iceland League Import Team honors.
The 5-11 Atlanta, GA native was well on her way to a solid career when she decided to take a step back. "Many told me that it was a stupid decision to forego a year overseas, including my agent who was based out in Europe", said King. "My goal was to be seen by the WNBA; the WUBA gave me that opportunity."
She chose to join the Universal Basketball Association (WUBA); a women's minor league known for its development and career enhancement. While in the WUBA; King competed in the 2016 Copa Mitchell Cup in Santiago, Dominican Republic. She was later named LatinBasket.com All-Copa Mitchell Cup Most Valuable Player for leading all players in scoring (26.8ppg). "Playing against the Dominican National Team was a great experience," said King. "I enjoyed the Cup and loved Latin American Basketball."
King continued to increase her popularity world wide by competing in National Cups. Next on the list was the Eurobasket Summer League. Several teams from the WNBA attended this historical camp in hopes to find the next talent to help their club. King would be named MVP of the camp and caught the eye of Atlanta Dream head coach Michael Cooper . She was called by the team to attend private workouts for her standout performance. "The opportunity to participate in a 30-minute private workout with the Atlanta Dream was incredible. It was, to say the least, a little intimidating, but a dream come true at the same time."
Now with so many lining up to sign Kristina King; her focus is on nothing but a gold medal. Last summer Team USA Jones Cup suffered defeats to Japan, Canada and Korea. The American team hasn't placed in the Jones Cup since 1999 when the USA National Team took gold.
