<\/p>\n
Paige Bueckers, a former UConn star guard, national champion, and the No. 1 pick of the 2025 WNBA Draft, was central to the optimism surrounding the Dallas Wings\u2019 2025 season. But things did not take off as planned.<\/p>\n
Amid Bueckers\u2019 early concussion, the trade of NaLyssa Smith and DiJonai Carrington, and a struggling frontcourt throughout the season, the Wings ended with a devastating 10-34 run.<\/p>\n
Their offseason got much more interesting when they let go of coach Chris Koclanes after just one year. Tied with the Chicago Sky for the worst record in the WNBA, the Wings are now looking for their third coach in five years.<\/p>\n
If anyone has the authority to speak on what kind of coaching Bueckers needs, it\u2019s her UConn head coach, Geno Auriemma.<\/p>\n
What Is Geno Auriemma\u2019s Opinion on Paige Bueckers\u2019 Next Dallas Wings Coach?<\/p>\n
At the Big East Media Day, Auriemma was asked if he had any opinion on what kind of coach Paige Bueckers needs and what type of coach the Dallas Wings should hire next.<\/p>\n
\u201cI told Paige this the other day: A great player can play for any coach,\u201d Auriemma said<\/a>. \u201cNow, if they get a coach that doesn\u2019t believe in and doesn\u2019t have a collaboration with Paige, then that would be a difficult journey.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/p>\n He added, \u201cI think there are a lot of coaches out there that would be really, really good for her, and she\u2019d be good for them. But it has got to be someone where there\u2019s mutual trust.\u201d<\/p>\n Auriemma continued the advice he gave Bueckers regarding hiring Wings\u2019 new coach. \u201cEmbrace what the pool is, talk to all of them\u2013whoever they are\u2013and it\u2019s like recruiting. Recruiting the person you want, that has the qualities that [you want].\u201d<\/p>\n He emphasized that the roster surrounding Bueckers would be more critical for her performance in future seasons, but the importance of a good coach cannot be ignored.<\/p>\n Auriemma\u2019s Advice to Chris Koclanes After Dallas Wings Drafted Bueckers<\/p>\n Despite Wings\u2019 underwhelming performance, Bueckers managed to bag the WNBA Rookie of the Year honors and break Candace Parker\u2019s single-game scoring record<\/a> (40 points) by a rookie by scoring 44 against the Los Angeles Sparks.<\/p>\n Earlier in April, Auriemma passed on some advice to Koclanes on how to coach Bueckers right after the 2025 WNBA Draft.<\/p>\n