After back-to-back losing seasons for the Dallas Wings, including a 10–34 finish in 2025, Paige Bueckers is set to reunite with former UConn women's basketball teammates, while Jose Fernandez has highlighted her offseason strength progress.

In a post shared by Wings reporter Drake Keeler on X on April 20th, Jose Fernandez discussed his offseason strength plan and how it’s already benefiting Paige Bueckers, with the Dallas Wings head coach also praising her progress.

“I think it's going to be great for her down the stretch in the fourth quarter,” Jose Fernandez said during Day 1 of training camp at College Park Center in Arlington, Texas.

“I think it's going to be really good for her for playing through contact. And then when she gets to the rim, finishing through contact as well,” he further said, before adding, “There's a reason why she looks that way. Because she's a pro. The way that she invests, the way that she connects everybody. The offseason that she's had, she's one of the best players in the world.”

And she’s backing that up. Paige Bueckers has already settled in with the Dallas Wings, putting up 19.2 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 5.9 assists per game in 2025, showing she’s not lacking in any area.

Since being drafted No. 1 overall last season, Bueckers has been the team’s offensive centerpiece. She’s not just scoring but also controlling the pace and creating for others, which is exactly what the Wings need, and it’s why the coach has full confidence in her.

But her start is only part of the story, as her connection with the coaching staff adds another layer to her role.

Paige Bueckers' Role in the Dallas Wings' 2026 Campaign

The Dallas Wings have struggled over the past two seasons, which led to Paige Bueckers being selected as the No. 1 overall pick in last year’s draft. Jose Fernandez is already very familiar with her and clearly trusts her abilities.

During his time at South Florida, Jose Fernandez coached against Paige Bueckers multiple times while she played for UConn women's basketball under Geno Auriemma, with whom he shares a long-standing friendship.

"This won't be the same old Dallas Wings, my brother," said Fernandez, paraphrasing his late colleague at USF, Amir Abdur-Rahim. "Change is coming, and we're gonna win."

"Paige is special," the 54-year-old head coach said, before adding, "Great players want to be coached. She wants to be coached and held accountable."

Azzi Fudd has been all smiles since joining the Dallas Wings, giving her the chance to play alongside Bueckers and showing that, despite last season’s struggles, the team is focused on turning things around.

But do you think Paige Bueckers can turn the Dallas Wings into playoff contenders this season?

Read more at She Got Game!

Written by

Sauramita Debbarma