Dallas Wings Notebook: Harris Thriving, Bueckers Commands 5-on-5, and Koclanes Emphasizes Depth & Discipline
The Dallas Wings are entering a pivotal stretch of training camp with just over a week remaining until final rosters are due. Tuesday’s practice was competitive, physically packed with extended 5-on-5 action. Paige Bueckers continued to shine as a facilitator and shot creator, Tyasha Harris has impressed since returning to full practice participation, and Maddy Siegrist reflected on her long-term commitment to Dallas.
Head coach Chris Koclanes continues implementing core systems, experimenting with lineups, and preparing for difficult roster decisions. Before practice, the Wings waived rookie center Aaronette Vonleh, trimming the roster to 15.
Tyasha Harris Embraces Leadership, Eyes Sixth Woman of the Year
Tyasha Harris began camp in a limited role but is now fully engaged in contact drills and quickly finding her rhythm. She spoke openly Tuesday about her dual mindset—balancing team leadership with individual drive.
“The first week I was just getting back into things,” Harris said. “I was doing five-on-zero, listening, watching everybody. But now this week I’m flying into five-on-five contact, so it’s been going really well.”
Harris said she feels physically strong and is fully prepared to contribute in whatever role is needed.
“Good. Ready to go,” Harris said.
She’s been encouraged by the energy across the roster, especially from the rookies.
“I think we have a deep roster. One through twelve is really, really good. It’s very competitive,” Harris said. “The rookies came in ready, strong, being competitive, challenging us. They’re open to questions and different ideas. They’re doing really well.”
While Harris is prepared to step in as a starter if needed, she’s setting her sights on a defined target.
“Honestly, whatever’s in my path,” Harris said. “If I’m starting, I want to make sure I’m good, being more of a leader, being an assertive leader, commanding for my team, having more of a voice on the court. Coming off the bench, I’m going for Sixth Woman of the Year. I’m coming in, coming with a bang. I’m doing whatever the team needs me to do.”
Dallas Wings Backcourt Chemistry Forming: “We Just Play Off Each Other”
The Wings spent much of Tuesday’s practice using a three-guard lineup of Harris, Bueckers, and Arike Ogunbowale, building on the structure seen in the preseason opener against Las Vegas. Multiple creators on the floor are already opening up Bueckers to attack freely and exploit mismatches.
“I like that I can swing to the two. I like that I don’t have to be the one,” Harris said. “Paige, if she’s right there, she can bring it up. If I’m right there, I’ll bring it up, and we just kind of play off each other.”
Harris continued, “I like that idea of how many possibilities we can have in the offense. If we want Paige to bring up the ball, me and Arike can run the wings, and vice versa. I’ve always played with Rick, so I know how dynamic she is. And just watching Paige in college, she’s going to be super dynamic.”
Maddy Siegrist also noticed the impact.
“Just even based on today, I got a lot of open shots,” Siegrist said of Harris. “A lot of cuts, open threes. It’s exciting to play with a point guard like that and a player like that in general.”
Despite this three-guard combo experimentation, Bueckers frequently initiates offensive possessions as the point guard. She often hit rollers on pocket passes in pick-and-roll throughout 5-on-5 action. She was also a real threat, using her size against mismatches to score.
Frontcourt Combinations in Motion
With Teaira McCowan often running with the second unit, the Wings tested lineups that used NaLyssa Smith at the five alongside versatile forwards like Siegrist and Myisha Hines-Allen. Head coach Chris Koclanes said this camp phase balances ball pressure and executing coverages.
“We’ve been throwing a little more defensively at them and exploring some different coverages—being aggressive with switching, with some hedging, with some trapping,” Koclanes said. “Just throwing it all out there and seeing where are we most comfortable on the ball.”
The Wings saw some impressive impact from rookie guards JJ Quinerly and Aziaha James. Both players were aggressive, applying ball pressure, resulting in steals and disruption.
“Just as important as those coverages on the ball, it’s the three people off the ball and how much they can comprehend and get to good spots on the floor,” Koclanes said. “Everything’s on the table.”
Chris Koclanes Sees Growth in Competitive Environment
Koclanes described Tuesday’s practice as one that tested the team’s ability to stay composed under pressure.
“We bordered on that line of: Are we still in control of our emotions and being competitive, or are we letting the game get the best of us?” Koclanes said. “It was a really good learning moment. To be able to have a high level of competitiveness and still maintain the level of composure we need to play through mistakes, bad calls, missed shots, or turnovers.”
He identified two main areas of improvement following the team’s preseason opener.
“Defensively, I want to see a little bit less slippage. When the game went live and got fast, we strayed from our general ideas and principles,” Koclanes said. “I want more discipline on that side of the ball. Offensively, I want more shots on goal. Vegas had 14 more opportunities. That’s all those live turnovers. We need to value the basketball.”
Maddy Siegrist on Option Being Picked Up: “Go Wings, Right?”
The team officially exercised Siegrist’s contract option earlier this week. The third-year forward said she was thrilled. She’s been an impactful player during the open portion of practices throughout training camp, often attacking downhill to make a play and showing consistency as a shooter.
“I was hoping they were going to do it, but you never know for sure,” Siegrist said. “It’s a great organization. I’ve been able to grow a lot as a player. I just want to continue to be the best I can this year. Job security is always great.”
Koclanes praised Siegrist’s two-way impact and presence within the locker room.
“She competes like crazy, doesn’t take any plays off, does all the dirty work, willing to do whatever,” Koclanes said. “Off the floor, she’s the first out to serve her community, the best teammate. She’s everything you want in a player within your organization.”
Siegrist’s personal goals remain team-oriented after being part of a 9-31 season with the Wings in 2024.
“I just want to be the best player I can be. Obviously, I want to win,” Siegrist said. “You want to win a series, you want to win two series, and obviously you want to win the whole thing. Just continuing whatever it takes and helping the franchise any way I can.”
Her message to fans: “Guess I’m back. I mean, go Wings, right?”
DiJonai Carrington Leaves Practice Early, Chris Koclanes Says “She’s fine”
DiJonai Carrington took a hard fall during live 5-on-5 and did not return to action. She was seen walking under her power, and an ice pack was applied afterward. There appears to be no reason for concern.
Koclanes provided a brief update when asked post-practice: “She’s fine.”
Roster Update: Aaronette Vonleh Waived, Dallas Wings Down to 15
She could not secure a role in a frontcourt anchored by Teaira McCowan and was part of a highly competitive training camp group.
The Wings waived center Aaronette Vonleh following Tuesday’s practice, reducing the roster to 15 players. Vonleh was selected with the 31st overall pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft after a standout season at Baylor, averaging 14.9 points and 5.8 rebounds on 58.5% shooting.
The team had already waived Mikiah Herbert Harrigan and McKenzie Forbes earlier in the week. Herbert Harrigan, a 2020 first-round pick, has appeared in 53 WNBA games. Forbes, a guard-forward out of USC, most recently played overseas after spending time with the Sparks.
“It’s hard. These last cuts aren’t going to be easy,” Koclanes said Monday. “Lots of conversations with our GM group about what the roster’s going to look like and what players nine through twelve can add and bring to our culture in such a foundational year. You balance the on-court with some of the intangibles and look at it holistically.”
Tyasha Harris on Buzz Around the Dallas Wings: “All Eyes on Us”
Harris acknowledged the growing excitement with Bueckers generating national attention and the Wings building momentum in camp.
“I feel like women’s basketball is at its peak and it’s going to continue to climb,” Harris said. “All eyes on us. Paige brought some more fans to us. I love that everybody’s tuning in. We just have to shine.”
Dallas Wings Media Day
Dallas will hold a media day on Wednesday before continuing training camp this week. The Wings will then face Japan’s Toyota Antelopes in their final preseason game on May 10. The Wings will open the regular season against the Minnesota Lynx on May 16.
More Dallas Wings Articles
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- Tyasha Harris Fully Practices as Dallas Wings Build Foundation Before Season
- Dallas Wings Regroup at Practice After Preseason Loss Against Las Vegas Aces
- Dallas Wings Makes First Roster Cuts Before Upcoming Deadline
- Paige Bueckers Makes WNBA Debut as Wings Fall to Aces in Preseason Opener: “Super Surreal”
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