MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — For the first fifteen games in her first WNBA season, WVU graduate JJ Quinerly came off the bench for the Dallas Wings and averaged about seven minutes per contest.
On June 28, Quinerly was inserted into the starting lineup for the first time against the Washington Mystics. Over the next four games, Quinerly scored 15, 17, 18 and 16 points respectively while averaging 32 minutes a game.
Jul 7, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Dallas Wings guard JJ Quinerly (11) scores on the Phoenix Mercury in the first half at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images
All of a sudden, the trajectory of Quinerly’s first season of professional basketball changed. The third-round draft pick is now fifth among all WNBA rookies this season in assists (38), tenth in total points (117) and 13th in minutes played (241), according to basketball-reference.com.
“I trusted the process. I had a lot to learn coming from college where I played the two [shooting guard]. Coming in here, I was a backup point guard again. It was definitely a change for sure. I had to turn that mindset of a scorer to be like, ‘Alright, I’ve got people around me that can score the ball as well’. I was learning how to get them the ball and finding that balance between my scoring and facilitating,” Quinerly said on Friday.
“I’m a point guard at heart. So I still had it in me.”
In the WNBA, even high draft picks can struggle to make season-opening rosters. As a third-round pick, Quinerly quickly stood out in a large rookie class for the Wings.
“I knew that from the start of training camp, I knew I could compete with anybody in the world because I am a super-competitive person. No matter who you put out there, I am going to compete regardless of the situation. That’s what I came out here to do and my coaches trusted in me as well. That made me feel a lot more comfortable.”
Jul 7, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Mercury guard Kiana Williams drives on Dallas Wings guard JJ Quinerly (11) in the second half at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images
Quinerly led WVU to the second round of the NCAA Tournament for the second consecutive season back in March. She left West Virginia ranked third in program history in points (2,016) and third in steals (328). After playing in 32 of WVU’s 33 games, Quinerly faced a quick turnaround into her first professional season. Her college season ended on March 24 and the WNBA Draft was set for April 14. Four weeks later, the 44-game regular season began.
“As soon as the last game was over, I went back to West Virginia, packed up my stuff and went home and started training. There was no stop. I was just getting my body right, working on my knees and of course lifting and conditioning. I felt like conditioning was going to be a big component of coming into training camp. I had to make sure I was ready for that.”
Quinerly hosted a draft party in her hometown of Norfolk, Va. 26 players heard their names called before Quinerly received word that the Wings were ready to select her with the second pick in the third round.
“I was just sitting and waiting patiently. I was getting a little anxious. Then my agent pulled me to the side and kind of told me who would be picking me and when. So I kind of already knew before my family. Then when it came up, it was a surreal moment. I shed a few tears.
Jul 9, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Dallas Wings guard JJ Quinerly (11) drives to the basket against Chicago Sky guard Rebecca Allen (9) during the first half at Wintrust Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
“I knew I could do it. I knew I was a good draft pick. I figured it probably wouldn’t be as high as I wanted it. I knew I had to come in here regardless and do what I needed to do to make the team.
“I was hoping second round. But at the end of the day, I was like, ‘I know I am going to get a chance. Somebody is going to take a chance on me’. I am going to take the opportunity and run with it.”
Quinerly was one of five draft picks for the Wings. Three made the opening-day roster. No. 1 overall pick Paige Bueckers headlines the class.
“I played with [Aziaha] James before. We grew up together. Playing with Paige and James, it is so fun. I know where each of them want the ball. I know what they are going to do and what they like to do. Us running the court together, I couldn’t ask for a better rookie group.”
At 5-foot-8, Quinerly is the shortest guard on the Wings’ roster with Arike Ogunbowwale. Her quickness and ability to create plays for her teammates has allowed her to have success in her rookie season. Since breaking into the starting lineup, Quinerly is averaging 5.2 assists per game.
We got a smile out of JJ so you know it’s a good play 🙂 pic.twitter.com/gZ2H2sDAe9
— Dallas Wings (@DallasWings) July 10, 2025
“With me being small, my speed has given me an advantage coming in here. I feel like in college, a lot of teams will scout for you. They’ll make it so you can’t do a lot of things. Coming in here, there’s multiple people on the floor that have a lot of different skills. Scouting is not just for one person, it is for the whole team. I feel like that was a big difference for me.”
Quinerly played for three head coaches (Mike Carey, Dawn Plitzuweit and Mark Kellogg) in her four seasons at WVU. Despite almost annual changes on the staff, Quinerly says her decision to stay at West Virginia came with important lessons.
“Always being able to stay ready, being versatile and having the ability to adapt to situations. I think that was a big advantage coming into training camp. I was able to adapt to changes in my position and adapt to changes in coaches. I think it definitely gave me a leg up and I don’t regret my decision.”
With college studies behind her, Quinerly has adapted to the day-to-day grind of being a professional athlete. She is thrilled that early-morning workouts prior to class are no longer a part of her daily schedule.
“At college, you have that conditioning with 6 a.m. wakeups and you have to run miles on the treadmills. We don’t have that. So I am honestly happy about that.”