Dallas Wings coach Jose Fernandez sets high bar for Paige Bueckers

The new Wings coach isn't messing around with next season right around the corner.

Mar 9, 2022; Fort Worth, TX, USA; South Florida Bulls head coach Jose Fernandez motions to his team during the first half of the American Athletic Conference women's basketball tournament semifinals against the Houston Cougars at Dickies Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images / Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Dallas Wings coach Jose Fernandez has high hopes for Paige Bueckers’ development.

Bueckers will enter her second season with the Wings after winning the WNBA’s Rookie of the Year this past season while beginning to establish her identity as a Wings superstar.

“Paige is a very good basketball player," Fernandez said on ‘In Case You Missed It.’ "She's one of the faces of the league and the future of the WNBA and also USA basketball.”

For someone who hasn’t coached her at the professional level, that’s high praise from Fernandez. Fernandez accepted the Wings job after a long stint at South Florida, as he’ll attempt to turn around a 10-win Wings team from this past season.

Paige Bueckers Unbothered By Jose Fernandez's Tough Coaching Style

Sep 11, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Wings guard Paige Bueckers (5) celebrates during the second half against the Phoenix Mercury at College Park Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images / Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Bueckers told Dallas Wings on SI last month how energized she is to learn from someone as seasoned as Fernandez.

“I am very excited,” Bueckers said. “I competed against him a couple times in college and his team was always a tough competitor. He is highly regarded by people who really know basketball, so I’m looking forward to working with him.”

Bueckers said the time to buy stock in the Wings comeback hopes is right now.

“We are all extremely invested in the success of our team, and really care about each other and the community,” Bueckers said. We have a great young core and amazing pieces to build around. We all approach the game in the right way – prioritizing the right things and wanting to build this thing the right way with the right people.”

Barring anything catastrophic, the Wings’ road back to the top of the league should be extremely interesting.

For now, Bueckers is letting the rebuild play out as such.

Paige Bueckers Trusts Wings Turnaround Is Going To Happen

Oct 6, 2025; Fort Worth, Texas, USA; Dallas Wings guard Paige Bueckers looks on during the second quarter between the Dallas Mavericks and the Oklahoma City Thunder at Dickie's Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images / Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

"I remember Steph Curry, before the Warriors became the Warriors, like, he tweeted out, 'Just stick with us... We're gonna figure it out.' That's the message," Bueckers said as the season wound down.

Bueckers' team finished 10-34 despite her winning WNBA ROTY honors in her initial season in Dallas. Despite there being more lows than highs, there is reason for future optimism as the organization is all-in on Fernandez.

We will be relentless in our pursuit of excellence, approaching everything we do with elite standards and a championship mindset," Fernandez said of his team's new identity. "I couldn’t be more excited to serve as your Head Coach and will work tirelessly to lead this organization to a level of success that both the Wings and the DFW community can be proud of.”

Stick with WingsGameday for more FREE coverage of the Dallas Wings throughout the offseason.

More Dallas Wings News

• Dallas Wings usher in new era with ex-South Florida winning HC to help Paige Bueckers

• Dallas Wings phenom Paige Bueckers named to influential list by WNBA legend

• Napheesa Collier reveals concerning Paige Bueckers statement by WNBA Commissioner

• New Wings coach details emotional decision to leave USF for WNBA