Jose Fernandez’s Message to Paige Bueckers and the Dallas Wings
After four years under Geno Auriemma, Paige Bueckers now finds herself navigating a fluid coaching situation in Dallas. The Wings, known for frequent changes on the sidelines, moved on from first-year coach Chris Koclanes after a disappointing season.
“As we enter a pivotal point in our team’s future, we felt a change in leadership was best,” said general manager Curt Miller.
To lead the next chapter, the Wings hired Jose Fernandez, who spent 25 years building the University of South Florida women’s program into a national contender. In his first press conference, Fernandez wasted no time praising his star guard.
“Paige is special — a Rookie of the Year and one of the faces of the league. I like her with the ball in her hands and without it,” Fernandez said.
Bueckers averaged 19.2 points, 5.4 assists, and 3.9 rebounds over 36 games in her rookie year, carrying much of Dallas’s offense. She’s already one of the league’s top players, but Fernandez made clear he doesn’t want the system to revolve solely around her.
“It’s not just about developing a relationship with Paige — it’s about every player knowing where they’re comfortable, what they like, and what they don’t. I’ve got the next few months to build that,” he explained.
With five players already under contract for 2026 — Diamond Miller, Maddy Siegrist, Paige Bueckers, Aziaha James, and JJ Quinerly — Fernandez inherits a promising core. James and Quinerly showed flashes last season, Siegrist excelled when healthy, and Miller was a key trade addition.
Fernandez outlined his philosophy simply:
“Three things: accountability, trust, and truth. We’ll hold each other accountable every day. We’ll build trust in how we practice and prepare. And players will always know exactly what I’m thinking and what their role is.”
The new coach has a reputation for building disciplined, competitive teams. At USF, he “turned a wasteland into a championship program.” Now, he faces a similar task in Dallas — but with more talent and resources.
He also has insight from Bueckers’ college coach, Geno Auriemma, who praised Fernandez’s work long before this hire.
“What Jose has done with USF women’s basketball is remarkable,” Auriemma once said.
After Fernandez accepted the Wings job, Auriemma offered more personal advice.
“Great players want to be coached,” Fernandez said, recalling their conversation. “Paige wants to be held accountable. Geno told me, ‘If there’s a shot you want her to make, she’ll make it. If there’s something you’re going to run for her, she’ll run it.’”
Under Auriemma, Bueckers often served as the offensive hub, balancing selflessness with assertive scoring. Fernandez’s challenge will be helping her rediscover that balance — and, in doing so, elevate the team around her.