A lot of changes have occurred with the Dallas Wings recently. Aside from bringing in plenty of young talent, they also brought on a new head coach who reminds 2025 Rookie of the Year Paige Bueckers of a legendary coach she played under.
How New Dallas Wings Head Coach Jose Fernandez Inspires Paige Bueckers
Former head coach Chris Koclanes’ first and only season with the Wings was quite the disappointment. Despite drafting Bueckers and surrounding her with standout veterans, the team went on to win only 10 games, tying the Chicago Sky for the worst record in 2025.
This result triggered another coaching change, with Jose Fernandez coming in to replace Koclanes after just one year. However, the appointment of Fernandez could actually benefit Bueckers, as it brings in a certain level of familiarity for the former UConn star.
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According to Bueckers, coach Fernandez’s style is reminiscent of Geno Auriemma, who coached her during her entire college career.
“He does remind me a lot of Coach Geno,” Bueckers said. “In terms of discipline, structure, the culture that he wants to build, and the no BS mentality where he doesn’t let anything slide. He’s very detail-oriented, but he also communicates well with the players.”
Paige Bueckers said head coach Jose Fernandez reminds her of Geno Auriemma with his discipline, structure, “no BS” mentality and communicating well with the players.
I asked Paige how does that help her having a coach like that?
“It gives you confidence…” pic.twitter.com/sfhA92wVnC
— Landon Thomas (@sixfivelando) April 19, 2026
When asked how Fernandez’s coaching style affects her personally, she said, “It gives you confidence in terms of everybody knowing the role, everybody knowing what it’s going to take that night, and nobody stepping outside of what the Dallas Wings culture is. If that happens, he will hold us accountable.”
Having a coach who reminds her of who she played for in college isn’t the only thing she has to reminisce about this season. In the 2026 draft, the Dallas Wings took Azzi Fudd with the first overall pick.
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Fudd and Bueckers both played under Auriemma from 2021 to 2025. His system helped both of them grow into the talented players they are, which eventually led to their selection as the first overall picks in subsequent drafts.
During her 2025 rookie campaign, Bueckers averaged 19.2 points, 5.4 assists, 3.9 rebounds, and 1.6 steals across 36 appearances.
Playing together under Fernandez is expected to help Fudd get more used to the pro level and adapt to the league, and her improved chemistry with Bueckers could prove beneficial for the Wings as they turn their fortunes around.