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Dallas Wings guard reflects on rookie season

Aziaha James made an impact for the Dallas Wings in her rookie season.

Jeremy Brener

Dallas Wings guard Aziaha James brings the ball up court against the Connecticut Sun.
Dallas Wings guard Aziaha James brings the ball up court against the Connecticut Sun. / Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Dallas Wings rookie guard Aziaha James is excited about what she was able to accomplish in her first season in the WNBA.

James, the No. 12 overall pick in this year's WNBA Draft, averaged 7.5 points for the Wings in the season while playing in 38 of the team's 44 games. James spoke following the team's final game of the season about the past few months and expressed appreciation for the journey.

"So many stories to tell about this season,” James said via Dallas Hoops Journal reporter Grant Afseth.

“... “Man, there’s so many memories. One I’ll say was when me, her, and JJ [Quinerly] went off — rookie night in Phoenix. That was just fun, to play with her, flow with her, get buckets together. It’s a sister bond.

"I’m just grateful to be around this community. Everyone helps everyone, we’re just a big family here. I just can’t wait to do it again."

READ MORE: Dallas Wings rookie Paige Bueckers stands in the paint for WNBA's CBA negotiations

Dallas Wings guard Aziaha James drives to the basket against the Phoenix Mercury
Dallas Wings guard Aziaha James drives to the basket against the Phoenix Mercury. / Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Wings rookie content with season

James grew a lot in her rookie season and she's thankful for head coach Chris Koclanes and general manager Curt Miller for their guidance.

“He helped me a lot,” James said via Afseth. “I came in kind of shallow, not thinking highly of myself. He brought the dog out of me. Him and Curt taught me patience — I’m so fast and my mind races, so they taught me to slow down, trust myself, and let shots come.”

James may not be the team's cornerstone that Paige Bueckers is, but this season was about trying to find players that could fit next to the No. 1 overall pick for the future. It's safe to say after her rookie season that James is one of those players the Wings should invest in moving forward.

If James continues to grow at the pace she is on, the Wings could be in a great spot moving forward.

READ MORE: Dallas Wings facing massive Arike Ogunbowale decision

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Jeremy Brener
JEREMY BRENER

Jeremy Brener is an editor, writer and social media manager for several On SI sites. His work has also been featured in 247 Sports and SB Nation as a writer and podcaster. Brener grew up in Houston, going to Astros, Rockets and Texans games as a kid and resides in Central Florida. He graduated from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism minoring in Sport Business Management. Brener can be followed on Twitter @JeremyBrener.

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