Dallas Wings Coach Has High Expectations for Paige Bueckers

Jose Fernandez believes the team can become a playoff contender this season with the right roster around the No. 1 draft pick.

Published on Feb. 19, 2026

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The Dallas Wings, who have struggled in recent seasons, selected Paige Bueckers as the No. 1 overall pick in last year's WNBA draft. Head coach Jose Fernandez is confident the team can quickly turn things around and become a playoff contender, with Bueckers as the centerpiece of the roster.

Why it matters

The Wings have not experienced much playoff success in over a decade since moving from Tulsa, so Fernandez's high expectations and belief in building a championship-caliber team around Bueckers represents a significant shift in the franchise's outlook.

The details

Fernandez praised Bueckers' relentless work ethic and well-rounded scoring ability, saying she has 'one of the best mid-range games in the entire world' and is a 'three-level scorer.' The Wings will have the first pick in the upcoming WNBA draft, giving them a chance to add another top talent to pair with Bueckers.

  • The Dallas Wings moved from Tulsa to Dallas a decade ago.
  • Paige Bueckers was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2022 WNBA draft.
  • The 2023 WNBA draft will take place in April.

The players

Jose Fernandez

The head coach of the Dallas Wings who is confident the team can quickly become a playoff contender.

Paige Bueckers

The No. 1 overall pick in the 2022 WNBA draft, who Fernandez praised for her relentless work ethic and well-rounded scoring ability.

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What they’re saying

“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.”

— Jose Fernandez, Head Coach, Dallas Wings (WFAA)

“I wouldn't have taken this job if I didn't think I could be a great change to the organization. They're going to play with great passion. There's not going to ever be a reason for anyone to think they didn't play hard. My expectation in taking this job is to win a championship.”

— Jose Fernandez, Head Coach, Dallas Wings (WFAA)

“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.”

— Jose Fernandez, Head Coach, Dallas Wings (WFAA)

What’s next

The Dallas Wings will have the first pick in the 2023 WNBA draft in April, giving them a chance to add another top talent to pair with Paige Bueckers.

The takeaway

After years of struggle, the Dallas Wings appear poised for a turnaround under new head coach Jose Fernandez, who has high expectations for the team and its star rookie Paige Bueckers. Fernandez's confidence in building a championship-caliber roster around Bueckers represents a significant shift in the franchise's outlook.