Paige Bueckers is one of the most exciting young players in the WNBA, and every bit the professional athlete — but it sounds like her collegiate past still casts a bit of an aura over her present.
While speaking to reporters during training camp with the Wings, Bueckers admitted her time at UConn with Geno Auriemma still influences how she plays now. Bueckers noted that first and foremost, she is her own harshest critic, and has high standards for herself. She added that she wants to adopt this behavior through her time with Dallas (the team drafted Bueckers as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft, and brought on her former UConn teammate Azzi Fudd at the same spot in 2026).
Bueckers also said that she wants to make a positive impact on her teammates, no matter how she treats and speaks to herself. She added that she learned to set standards for herself — something that is likely to continue in Dallas under Jose Hernandez.
Bueckers is also changing up her game a bit
Bueckers also told reporters last week that she's making some changes to her offensive game. After she was asked which parts of the new system under Hernandez will benefit her the most, Bueckers said, “I think just the ability to move, change sides of the floor, get defensive rotation and attacking close outs, attacking in space, attacking in transition."
She also insisted there is "never" a moment in which she's been bored under Hernandez's leadership.
The team's new coach was hired last year. Though Fernandez didn't have any prior WNBA experience he's been coaching NCAA women's basketball for decades, and offers a sharp pivot from Chris Koclanes. Fernandez stuck with USF for over 20 years after he was hired in 2000, and he built the team into one of the more potent mid-major programs during that time. USF went to 9 of the last 12 NCAA Tournaments, and he will depart the team with an overall 485-317 win-loss record.
In addition to his friendship with Auriemma, Hernandez had a preexisting relationship with the Wings' GM Curt Miller. Fernandez has also enjoyed coaching stints with Team USA, and worked as an assistant coach with he gold-medal winning 2025 U19 team and the 2024 U18 squad. He coached Courtney Williams as a college student before she went on to play with the Connecticut Sun — who were then coached by Miller, the current GM of the Wings.
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