Emma King, second from left, after UK's win Wednesday at the SEC Tournament over Georgia. (UK Athletics Photo)
I really wish I could always have the positive attitude that Emma King always has had, including her five years at Kentucky, for as long as I’ve known her.
Kentucky’s 12-20 season ended with a loss to Tennessee in the Southeastern Conference Tournament on Thursday but King would not let that ruin her joy over getting to play at UK.
“I mean, it was literally my dream (to play at Kentucky). I feel like every little girl’s dream in the state of Kentucky is to eventually get here,” King said. “I told my dad in fifth grade this is what I wanted to do. It’s been the biggest blessing.
“The people I’ve met along the way. It’s just been the coolest thing. I truly just feel so grateful to have been in this position.”
She started 25 games this season and averaged 4.1 p points, 2.5 rebounds and 1.0 assists per game. She came to UK after a prolific scoring career at Lincoln County but this year because of UK’s lack of size had to play inside often including times when she had to guard bigger, more physical post players.
King compensated by drawing charges and trying to outsmart bigger, stronger opponents.
She had 8 points on 3-for-5 shooting, including 2-for-3 from 3, against Tennessee. She also had two rebounds, one assist and one steal in her 26 1/2 minutes of play and the Cats were only a minus 4 — second best mark on the game — during her 26 minutes of play in the 76-62 loss.
“This year, like Coach (Kyra) Elzy said, we took player development seriously. I feel like that’s something we worked on a lot in the summer. We saw it
develop throughout the year,” King said.
“I had to play a position, like she said, that was completely new to me. It was kind of fun to embrace a new role, figure out what you can do to help your team win.
“For me, it doesn’t always show up in the stat sheet. I was okay with that. Being able to do the little things that could help my team in any way was a really fun, really fun thing.”
That’s King. Always trying her hardest and finding the positive in any situation even during another difficult season. She wanted to play a fifth year to help the program and became a team leader this season.
I wish she could have gone out with a win but King always wins with her perspective on life and that’s what I will remember about her more than anything else.
