Dallas Wings Open Training Camp With Paige Bueckers Bringing Energy: "It's Finally Underway"
Paige Bueckers and the Dallas Wings opened 2025 training camp with energy, chemistry, and a fresh start under head coach Chris Koclanes.
The Dallas Wings opened 2025 training camp Sunday at College Park Center, launching a new era under first-year head coach Chris Koclanes, a revamped roster, and the highly anticipated debut of No. 1 overall pick Paige Bueckers.
Energy, competition, and an emphasis on building the foundation of a new identity were evident throughout the first practice session, which included a lengthy look at 5-on-5 action, competitive shooting drills, and early system installations.
Energy and Excitement Fuel Opening Day
Paige Bueckers called it a relief to begin her professional career after months of anticipation.
"Yeah, I'm excited. Extremely excited to get things going," Bueckers said. "So glad it's finally underway. We had our first practice, but it's an exciting scene to be a part of. A lot of new pieces, like we talked about — the new head coach, new-old coaching staff, a lot of new players and returners. But just a great group of vets, young guys."
DiJonai Carrington echoed the feeling of excitement.
"It was exciting to get all of us together," Carrington said. "There’s been so much chatter and hype and excitement around this new kind of energy that we’re all trying to bring. So it's just exciting to finally all be here."
Wings head coach Chris Koclanes praised the team’s energy and focus from the start.
"A great start," Koclanes said. "Just really good energy in the gym, everyone talking, touching. We threw a lot at them, challenged them, long days early. I'm just really proud of how they responded and just stayed focused throughout that entire practice."
Bueckers Shines in Leadership, Shooting, and Poise
While the Wings' first practice featured a mix of returning players and new faces, Bueckers' presence stood out in almost every phase.
Bueckers spent significant time running the offense during 5-on-5 runs, often working alongside Arike Ogunbowale and Carrington. The Wings used her in half-court actions, leveraging her shooting gravity as a screener to create opportunities both for herself and for teammates.
There was visible competitiveness throughout the day, capped by a spirited two-team shooting contest. After practice, while many players wrapped up, Bueckers remained on the floor for an extended solo shooting session. She focused on making three shots in a row from each spot, incorporating shakeups and drifts — work that mirrored drills she had already done earlier with the team.
"I'm trying to come in and earn everybody’s respect through passion, heart, communication, and building that chemistry on and off the court," Bueckers said. "Just connecting with everybody."
Bueckers and Carrington even exchanged friendly banter throughout practice, focused on Bueckers’ belief that Carrington can’t guard her. Carrington, though, praised Bueckers' basketball IQ and professionalism.
"She’s a student of the game. Her IQ is super high," Carrington said. "You don’t have to tell her things multiple times. She’s quick — they’ll draw something up, and she can translate it from the board to the court right away."
Koclanes also noted Bueckers’ ability to process and execute instructions quickly.
"It's just extremely impressive, right? The grace that she's [handled] everything that's thrown in her way," Koclanes said. "And then you get her on the floor, and it just makes the game look easy."
Even during competitive drills, Bueckers’ leadership and sharpness were evident — traits that will be vital as the Wings form their new identity.
Building Chemistry and Connections
The Wings are working quickly to establish chemistry on and off the court.
"I think we're all just trying to figure it out," Carrington said. "We’re trying to figure each other out, learn each other. The staff is obviously trying to put in everything we're going to do for the season, so we're all just working together."
Carrington added that team bonding had already started organically.
"I don’t think we’re having any trouble building chemistry," she said. "We've already hung out multiple times, and we've only been here a few days. We all get along really well. We have similar energy, so it’s just a good vibe, good energy in here."
Ogunbowale noticed the same early cohesion.
"Yeah, I think the front office did a great job putting this team together," Ogunbowale said. "Obviously, we still have a long way to go, but even from day one, I see a lot of chemistry. I think we all like each other, like each other's vibes. A lot of hoopers — so I'm just excited for it."
Wings Set the Tone for a New Identity
The Wings' coaching staff wasted no time beginning to install core offensive and defensive principles.
During the media’s viewing portion, the team worked on timing and communication in pick-and-roll coverages and emphasized switching responsibilities. Players rotated through situational coverages, working to stay connected and disciplined through various actions as they install their principles.
"Trying to give them enough rules, enough discipline so that they have structure out there," Koclanes said. "But then I also want to give them freedom to do what they do. So that's the balance for me — give them enough to where they have enough structure and they can feel off of each other, and then allow them the space to also go and make plays and play freely."
Carrington said the team is fully embracing the clean slate opportunity.
"Everything I've been for the last four years. Chris mentioned it too — rewriting the scout,” Carrington said. “We all have the opportunity to rewrite what opposing teams and even our coaches think about us. It’s a fresh slate. I want to bring energy, excitement, and push people in front of me to get after it just like I do.”
Ogunbowale described the new identity the Wings want to forge.
"Just dogs. We have a lot of playmakers, a lot of people who like to compete, people who take pride in defense and getting after it," Ogunbowale said. "A lot of players with some swag. I think we’ve been needing that in Dallas — just a lot of players with personality. It's a really fun group."
Competition and Setting the Standard
One highlight of the day was a competitive two-team shooting contest that lasted for a lengthy period. The players’ energy and support for each other were constant, and it reflected the Wings' focus on establishing a culture of maximum effort.
"Everyone’s skilled — that’s not the problem — but I want people to put in effort," Carrington said. "Second, third, fourth efforts. If you turn it over, get back. Don’t wait for the call, don’t pout — just get back and keep playing. Play really, really hard."
Veterans like Ogunbowale are also leading by example.
"Just by example and being vocal," Ogunbowale said. "I'm one of the oldest on the team — me, May, and T. Just giving my experience to the young players and letting them know it’s okay to make mistakes."
Bueckers and Ogunbowale, projected to form one of the WNBA’s most dynamic young backcourts, are already starting to build chemistry.
"Obviously she's established. Just to be on the same, same team as her," Bueckers said of Ogunbowale. "She — to go with her. Obviously she's a great basketball player."
Ogunbowale said she is equally excited about what they could accomplish together.
"We could be really dangerous," Ogunbowale said of Bueckers. "It looks good on paper — we’ve just got to put it together. But I know we will, so I'm excited for it."
Maddy Siegrist showed flashes offensively during team sessions, making strong plays attacking closeouts. Her ability to put pressure on defenses as plays develop could become a crucial asset for the Wings, alongside Bueckers and Ogunbowale.
Rookies Already Adjusting to Dallas
Bueckers said it didn't take long to feel some of the differences between college and the WNBA, quickly pointing to the physicality on the screens.
"Honestly, screens. I got hit by one — that would be the first, like, wow, here is different," Bueckers said. "And obviously the floor is a little different because of three seconds in the lane — offensive three [seconds] in the lane — so that's a little bit different. And then the pace and obviously the physicality, stuff like that."
Aziaha James, one of the Wings' rookies, said the experience so far has been eye-opening but rewarding.
"It’s intense, as you’d expect. I’m just trying to stay close to the vets, learn all the terminology, and soak everything in. I feel like it’s going to be a good experience."
James said she's aiming to grow quickly under the guidance of the Wings' veterans.
"My goals are just to find my vet, get under their wing, and learn everything I can about this new level," she said. "I want to take control where I can, be myself, and keep growing."
Learning from Ogunbowale has already been valuable.
"Yeah — just to be myself," James said. "Stay true to myself. She told me that I got here for a reason, so just continue to be me and keep fighting."
Adjusting to the quick turnaround after her college season is part of the grind.
"Just like I keep saying — trying to be myself, work hard every day, not give up, not quit," James said. "Just putting in the work you have to do."
As for off-the-court experiences, James said she's eager to dive into Dallas cuisine.
"So far, not too much yet," James said. "I’m trying to do barbecue next. I heard the barbecue goes down here!"
Bueckers is already a step ahead when it comes to experiencing Texas barbecue. After visiting Hurtado BBQ in Arlington, she gave a glowing review.
"So that's like a Tex-Mex barbecue," Bueckers said. "Man, I've never had anything like that. I'm not gonna lie. So that was 10."