Dallas Wings Embrace Early Challenges at Training Camp: “A Lot of Energy, a Lot of Mistakes”
The Dallas Wings showed energy, effort, and leadership on Day 2 of training camp, with Arike Ogunbowale and Paige Bueckers stepping into key roles.
The Dallas Wings continued laying the foundation for the 2025 WNBA season on Tuesday with an intense and competitive second day of training camp. With a roster featuring a blend of proven veterans and promising rookies, the team focused heavily on installing defensive concepts, building chemistry, and learning through early mistakes.
“I love the energy so far in the gym,” forward Myisha Hines-Allen said. “A lot of mistakes, but that’s what comes with being a new team—first time playing with a lot of these girls. In my opinion, that’s what makes basketball fun — the mistakes. Then we get to talk it through and just grow closer from that.”
Wings head coach Chris Koclanes said he was encouraged by the team’s approach on and off the floor.
“I was encouraged by the focus, the intensity in the film room, and then the ability for it to translate onto the court,” Koclanes said. “It was our first opportunity to watch from Day 1 and learn, and then see how quickly we can make the investment.”
Ogunbowale and Bueckers Showing Early Chemistry
Much of the early attention has centered around the Wings’ new backcourt pairing of Arike Ogunbowale and Paige Bueckers. Over two days, their connection has been a bright spot.
“I've been impressed by just the amount of respect they have for each other and how intentional they've both been about getting each other involved,” Koclanes said. “It's been impressive. I have no worries about the two of them coexisting.”
Ogunbowale echoed that sentiment, praising the early flow of the group.
“It’s been two good days,” Ogunbowale said. “We’ve been playing well together. I think there’s been a lot of good combinations — her and myself, her and other people, me and other people. So it’s been good.”
Bueckers, adjusting to running point in a new offense, said the coaching staff and teammates have made the transition smoother.
“Learning a new offense, being the leader on the court, being a back on the offense, whatever you want to call it,” Bueckers said. “I did some of that in college, did more of it in high school, but just leaning on that, leaning on the coaching staff for help and communication with the teammates.”
Koclanes said Bueckers’ off-ball skills add another dimension to the Wings' offense.
“You can put her anywhere,” Koclanes said. “As a coach, that just makes your life easier. She's going to get other people open looks, and she knows that, and she's willing to do that.”
Veterans Leading by Example
Ogunbowale said the makeup of this year’s group already feels distinct from past Wings teams.
“I don't even really think this team compares too much because we have a lot of skill on this team,” she said. “So I think it's gonna be a lot different. It's gonna be really fun.”
For Hines-Allen, her role on the Wings is clear: facilitate, defend, and lead by example.
“That’s what they brought me here to do: facilitate, get open shots for my teammates, set great screens so they can get open,” Hines-Allen said. “I don't have to score the ball, but it’s about me being aggressive and taking my open shots, too. Being aggressive, getting my teammates open, setting great screens, getting on the boards, rebounding, and defending the best player on the other team — most likely the four. Just taking pride in that challenge every night.”
The coaching staff emphasized defense as the primary focus during Tuesday's film and practice sessions.
“We led with defense in our film session,” Hines-Allen said. “Try to disrupt, show your body, show your hands, shrink the court.”
Koclanes said he wants players, especially rookies, to embrace the mental side of camp and not fear mistakes.
“We talked a lot about the mental approach to this because it could be overwhelming,” Koclanes said. “There's a lot being thrown at them — different terminology, different language. So just encouraging them to apply themselves, lean into the discomfort and frustration, and do as much as they can. And at the same time, let go and just play. Don’t be afraid to go make mistakes.”
Personal Development Focus
Both Ogunbowale and Bueckers outlined the specific areas they are focusing on as they prepare for the new season.
“For me, it’s the same thing every offseason: making sure my body's right, making sure my mental’s right, fixing things up that I wanted to work on from the last season, and just staying consistent,” Ogunbowale said. “You gotta be able to grind it out. Everybody's good. Everybody was a top player at their college, so it’s what separates you — and that’s really the offseason, what you do with your body, mentally, and for me, spiritually. Staying focused and God-driven. Just hard work really.”
Bueckers said her development focus is as much about mindset and leadership as skill.
“Being present,” Bueckers said. “Continuing to keep my foundational pieces of my faith, being present, being in a state of gratitude, and trying to be the best teammate and leader I can be, connecting with every single person on and off the floor. It makes everything better on the court.”
She also emphasized her desire to expand her playmaking impact at the professional level.
“Personal goals — just be better than last year... career-high assists... can go higher now,” Bueckers said.
Versatility and Coaching Philosophy
Beyond early chemistry and defensive priorities, Koclanes said the roster construction gives the Wings the ability to adapt and be creative with lineups throughout the season.
“There are lots of different pieces we can use with different lineups and combinations,” Koclanes said. “We have depth at guard, a fun post group with Teaira McCowan anchoring, and players who can float between multiple positions. There are lots of different tools there.”
Koclanes said his coaching philosophy revolves around empowering players and maintaining humility.
“I think my awareness is one of my strengths,” he said. “It's the balance of having the humility to know that I don't know everything and I can't do this alone. I've surrounded myself with really good people. There's a trust in me that I'm going to do everything I can to prepare and put our players in the best position to succeed. I want to earn their respect, empower them, and ultimately give them the freedom to be who they are.”
Off the Court: Hines-Allen Feeling at Home in Dallas
While the Wings continue their work on the court, Hines-Allen said she has enjoyed settling into life in Dallas.
"I'm loving it so far," Hines-Allen said. "The heat hasn’t kicked in yet. I have a dog here, so the nightly walks are great because it has a little breeze going on. The food’s good. The people — we go out and they know who we are. It’s good that they are up to date with the Dallas Wings, and hopefully they’ll be at the games, packing it out."
Special Road Trip Ahead
The Wings will soon head to South Bend for their preseason game against the Las Vegas Aces at Notre Dame’s Purcell Pavilion — a return home for Ogunbowale, who delivered two of the most iconic shots in NCAA tournament history at the arena.
“Just being back at home — I mean, that’s the place I grew up,” Ogunbowale said. “I played there for four years. I get to see my coaches, get to see some old fans, get to see my family since I live like three hours away, so I'm excited about that.”
While Bueckers won’t have her own homecoming just yet, she said she hopes the WNBA will continue staging preseason games at players’ former colleges — and would love to play at UConn's Gampel Pavilion someday.
“Yeah, I think it’s really cool and a great idea,” Bueckers said. “I think it should be incorporated even more. Just to start here, it’s a great start. I would love to play a game at Gampel and go back to UConn. I think it’s an amazing idea. Just seeing the support of women’s basketball grow — at the college level and at the WNBA level — it'll be a great turnout wherever we go.”
She added that the upcoming trip is another important step in team bonding.
“It just provides another opportunity to be connected,” Bueckers said. “Road trips in themselves are very fun — bonding on the plane, going out to eat, just being together in that road environment. So yeah, it provides another opportunity.”