DHJ Quick Take: Arike Ogunbowale Returns to Dallas Wings
- The Saturday Outlook: Arike Ogunbowale’s “for sure” status for the opener in Indianapolis is the definitive takeaway. After a 2-0 preseason without her, the Wings reintegrate their cornerstone against a Fever backcourt now featuring the Caitlin Clark and Aliyah Boston tandem.
- The Full Core Debut: Tuesday marked the first time Jose Fernandez had his projected 5-on-5 unit together. Reintegrating Awak Kuier (fresh off her EuroLeague campaign) alongside Arike provides the first real look at the high-pace, rim-running system Fernandez has installed.
- New Injury Concerns: While the backcourt stabilizes, the frontcourt and wing depth face immediate questions. Alanna Smith (face) and Aziaha James (practice injury) are now the primary names to monitor before the 12 p.m. tip-off on Saturday.
- The Salary Sacrifice: Ogunbowale’s willingness to take less than the super max is the “mechanical necessity” that made the Jessica Shepard and Alanna Smith signings possible. It’s a culture-setting move that Arike explicitly linked to the championship blueprints of Vegas and New York.
- Organizational Shift: The “night and day” difference in investment Arike noted—ranging from the new facility plans to the assembled coaching staff—signals that the Mavericks-led ownership is finally aligning resources with the roster’s talent ceiling.
ARLINGTON, Texas — Arike Ogunbowale plans to play in the Dallas Wings‘ regular-season opener Saturday at the Indiana Fever after returning to practice Tuesday from a right ankle injury.
Ogunbowale missed Dallas’s May 3 preseason finale against the Las Vegas Aces at Moody Center in Austin with the injury. The Wings won the game 101-84 to finish the preseason 2-0 without her in the lineup, having also beaten Indiana 95-80 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on April 30.
Arike Ogunbowale Plans to Play vs. Indiana Fever
Ogunbowale averaged 15.5 points, 2.5 rebounds and 4.1 assists in 29 games last season, shooting 36.4% from the field, 30.4% from 3-point range and 93.1% from the free-throw line.
Asked directly on Tuesday whether she expects to play Saturday, Ogunbowale was short and certain.
“Yeah, for sure,” Ogunbowale said.
Awak Kuier Practices; Other Dallas Wings Notes
Tuesday’s practice marked head coach Jose Fernandez‘s first chance to run 5-on-5 work with the projected core group on the floor together. Awak Kuier rejoined the team after finishing her season overseas, while Alanna Smith did not practice and Aziaha James went down with an injury during the workout.
Ogunbowale said the veterans returning from absences carry the responsibility of getting up to speed quickly.
“We have to do our homework outside of this learning plays, so we don’t have a lot of setbacks at practice,” Ogunbowale said. “We can just get into the flow.”
The eighth-year guard re-signed for less than the super max under the WNBA’s new collective bargaining agreement, a decision she said allowed the Wings to bring in Smith and Jessica Shepard in free agency. Both signings, plus the addition of Odyssey Sims, joined a young core that includes Paige Bueckers, Maddy Siegrist, James, Kuier, and No. 1 overall pick Azzi Fudd.
Ogunbowale also said the front office’s commitment is the most pronounced she has seen during her time in Dallas.
“This is definitely a come-up. Even from last year, a lot of stuff is night and day,” Ogunbowale said. “The organization’s really pouring into us. The sky’s the limit, honestly.”
Up Next
The Wings open the regular season on Saturday against the Fever at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Tip-off is set for 12 p.m. CT.
More Wings Coverage on Dallas Hoops Journal
- Dallas Wings Tuesday Practice Recap: Awak Kuier, Arike Ogunbowale Begin Chemistry Building; Aziaha James Injury
- Dallas Wings WATCH: Arike Ogunbowale, Awak Kuier Speak After Tuesday’s Practice
- Dallas Wings Make Six Roster Cuts, Down To 12 Players As Deadline Nears
- Dallas Wings’ Alanna Smith Exits Preseason Finale With Face Injury After A’ja Wilson Elbow
- Dallas Wings Cap Preseason With 101-84 Rout Of Las Vegas Aces In Austin
- ‘Awak Will Be Back In Texas’: Awak Kuier Rejoining Dallas Wings As Roster Nears Whole
- ‘They Did a Great Job Assembling This Team’: Jessica Shepard Details Joining Dallas Wings, Ready To Play vs. Las Vegas Aces
- Dallas Wings Open Preseason With 95-80 Win Over Indiana Fever Behind Paige Bueckers, Maddy Siegrist Double-Double
- ‘She’s Going To Be Special’: Inside Azzi Fudd’s Early Impression At Dallas Wings Training Camp
- ‘A Dream Come True’: Paige Bueckers, Azzi Fudd Realize Decade-Long Journey To Dallas Wings Backcourt
