New Wings Coach Jose Fernandez Brings Geno Auriemma's Intensity to Training Camp

Rookie Azzi Fudd and veteran Paige Bueckers see similarities between Fernandez and their former UConn coach.

Apr. 19, 2026 at 10:37pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

In his first training camp as the new head coach of the Dallas Wings, Jose Fernandez is already setting a high standard for his players, including yelling at rookie Azzi Fudd for not shooting open shots. Fernandez's disciplined, detail-oriented approach reminds players like Paige Bueckers of their former UConn coach Geno Auriemma. With a roster full of new faces, including Fudd, Alanna Smith, and Odyssey Sims, Fernandez is working quickly to instill his culture and get the team ready for the season opener.

Why it matters

The Wings are looking to bounce back from a 10-34 season in 2025 and make a playoff push. Fernandez's no-nonsense coaching style and emphasis on player development could be key to unlocking the potential of the team's young core, led by Bueckers and Fudd. His ability to quickly get the team on the same page will be crucial with several players still overseas for the start of camp.

The details

On the first day of training camp, Fernandez immediately challenged rookie Azzi Fudd, the No. 1 overall pick, telling her 'You're not going to pass up open shots.' The coach is setting a high bar for discipline and attention to detail, traits that remind players of their former UConn coach Geno Auriemma. With 22 players in camp and only 12 roster spots available, Fernandez has little time to get the team ready for the season opener on May 9 against the Indiana Fever.

  • The Dallas Wings opened training camp on Sunday, April 19, 2026.
  • The Wings' season opener is scheduled for May 9, 2026 against the Indiana Fever.

The players

Jose Fernandez

The new head coach of the Dallas Wings, known for his disciplined, detail-oriented coaching style that reminds players of Geno Auriemma.

Paige Bueckers

A UConn alum and the Wings' 2025 No. 1 overall draft pick, who sees similarities between Fernandez and her former college coach Auriemma.

Azzi Fudd

The Wings' 2026 No. 1 overall draft pick out of UConn, who was challenged by Fernandez on the first day of training camp for not shooting open shots.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“He does remind me a lot of [UConn women's basketball] coach Geno [Auriemma], in terms of discipline and structure and the culture that he wants to build. The No BS mentality, where he doesn't let anything slide. He's very detail-oriented.”

— Paige Bueckers, UConn Alum

“'You're not going to pass up open shots. Some of the actions that we're going to run for her, she better shoot the damn ball if she's open.'”

— Jose Fernandez, Head Coach

“If I'm a threat, then they have to guard me. They have to respect me and then it opens things up for the people around me.”

— Azzi Fudd, Rookie

What’s next

The Wings will need to cut their roster down to 12 active players before the season opener on May 9. Fernandez will also work to get the five players currently overseas up to speed on the team's systems and strategies when they join the team.

The takeaway

Fernandez's no-nonsense coaching style and emphasis on discipline could be exactly what the Wings need to turn things around after a disappointing 2025 season. By quickly establishing his culture and getting buy-in from young stars like Bueckers and Fudd, he has a chance to mold the team into a playoff contender.