DHJ Quick Take: Dallas Wings Are Finally Whole
- The Full Roster Logic: Today was the first time Jose Fernandez had his “projected core” for 5-on-5 work amid Arike Ogunbowale and Awak Kuier joining the team.
- The Recruitment Trail: Ogunbowale’s insight into her role recruiting Alanna Smith and Jessica Shepard highlights her shift into a franchise cornerstone role.
- Injury Clarity: Despite a right ankle injury, Arike’s expectation to play Saturday in Indianapolis is the primary takeaway for fans.
- Kuier’s European Leap: Coming off a defensive standout season with Galatasaray, Kuier’s readiness to play the three—and her physical growth in Europe—adds a new dimension to the frontcourt.
- Identity Check: With the full group finally on the floor, the “identity” of this roster is coming into focus—a high-pace, rim-running system that leverages the bench depth (outscoring Vegas 47-23 in the preseason) to overwhelm opponents.
ARLINGTON, Texas — The Dallas Wings practiced Tuesday with Awak Kuier and Arike Ogunbowale both available for the first time, marking head coach Jose Fernandez‘s first chance to run 5-on-5 work with the projected core group on the floor together. Both players spoke with the media after the session.
Watch the full interviews below.
Awak Kuier on Returning to the Dallas Wings
Kuier’s interview covers her visa process in Finland and the team’s role in expediting her arrival; why this offseason felt like the right time to return; how her years in Europe prepared her for a tougher WNBA; her fit in Fernandez’s rim-running system; and her readiness to play the three.
Arike Ogunbowale on Re-Signing, Recruiting, and the Saturday Opener
Ogunbowale addresses her offseason, including her championships with Unrivaled and overseas in China, the new collective bargaining agreement and reaching a million-dollar salary, her decision to take less than the supermax to re-sign, her role in recruiting Alanna Smith and Jessica Shepard, her view on Fernandez and the coaching staff, the ceiling of a roster she sees as among the deepest in the league, her thoughts on Maddy Siegrist and No. 1 overall pick Azzi Fudd, her recovery from a right ankle injury, and her expectation to play Saturday at the Indiana Fever.
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 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
- Stephanie White: Dallas Wings Have ‘A Lot to Be Excited About’ After Pairing Azzi Fudd, Paige Bueckers
- ‘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
