The Dallas Wings are entering a crucial season, and new head coach Jose Fernandez has made it clear that the franchise’s turnaround will revolve around Paige Bueckers.
After finishing near the bottom of the WNBA standings in back-to-back seasons, Dallas is banking on internal growth and a strong draft position to accelerate its rebuild. But for Fernandez, the foundation is already in place with Bueckers, the reigning Rookie of the Year and the organization’s centerpiece.
During his interview with WFAA’s Jonah Javad, Fernandez said, “Paige is a relentless worker. She wants to be the best. She’s got one of the best mid-range games in the entire world. A three-level scorer — getting to the rim, mid-range game, and also shooting the three.”
For a first-year WNBA head coach transitioning from 25 years in the college ranks, inheriting a guard with Bueckers’ skill set simplifies the blueprint. Fernandez has long emphasized structure, discipline, and player development. Coaching a perimeter star who can score at all three levels allows him to build an offense with flexibility rather than limitations.
Jose Fernandez Gets Honest About Coaching Paige Bueckers
During his conversation, Fernandez also pointed to Bueckers’ approach as a competitive advantage. She embraces coaching and wants to improve, giving the staff room to push her.
Earlier in the offseason, Fernandez visited longtime UConn head coach Geno Auriemma to better understand how Bueckers responds to leadership.
“It was a good understanding on how she responds to coaching… and certain things with her, with the basketball, what she really likes,” Fernandez said.
That preparation reflects the Wings’ broader intent. Dallas holds the No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming draft and has an opportunity to add another high-level talent next to Bueckers. Fernandez believes that if the roster is properly constructed around her, the team could expect better results.
“If we can put a really good roster together around the current players that we have, there should be no reason why we’re not a playoff contender,” Fernandez said. “I wouldn’t have taken this job if I didn’t think I could be a great change to the organization… My expectation in taking this job is to win a championship.”
Bueckers is currently competing in offseason play as she prepares for her second WNBA campaign. The Wings won just 10 games last season, but the organization is betting that growth from its franchise guard, combined with Fernandez’s system and another top draft addition, can move Dallas out of rebuilding mode and into contention.
For Fernandez, the advantages of coaching Bueckers go beyond talent. They start with mindset, and he believes that’s the right place to begin.