Paige Bueckers recently concluded a tremendous individual season with the Dallas Wings. Geno Auriemma’s former player won the Rookie of the Year award for averaging 19.2 points, 5.4 assists, and 3.9 rebounds. She also set multiple records, including the rookie single-game scoring, with 44 points.
Despite inspired performances from Bueckers, the Wings had a season to forget. They finished with a poor 10-34 record and stood last in the WNBA table. Fans demanded the firing of head coach Chris Koclanes, and their wish came true.
As the season ended, the Wings announced that they had parted ways with their head coach. After searching for more than a month, the team has selected Jose Fernandez as its next coach. Paige Bueckers’ former coach, UConn’s Geno Auriemma, recently commented on the appointment.
“I think Jose Fernandez is a great hire by the Dallas Wings. I’ve always had the utmost respect for Jose as a teacher and an innovator. He’s a guy who thinks outside the box, whether that’s recruiting internationally or playing a style of basketball that’s unique,” Geno said.
“As a person, I think he’s terrific at communication with his players. He’s a relationship guy. I think he’ll bring tremendous energy, stability and innovation to that organization,” Coach Auriemma gave his verdict.
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Before Jose Fernandez’s hiring, Auriemma did make his opinion known on how Paige Bueckers should handle the situation. He said a great player can play under any coach, while demanding Bueckers to get more involved in the hiring process and try and lead the team.
WBCA’s Executive Director and UCLA HC Comment on Paige Bueckers’ New Coach
Executive director of the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA), Danielle Donehew, said:
“Jose Fernandez has built a successful program at USF which has repeatedly demonstrated that it can compete with the toughest of opponents. I am confident that he will build a program that is equally successful in Dallas.”
Just like UConn head coach Geno Auriemma and Donehew, UCLA coach Cori Chase also praised the new Wings’ coach. Chase said:
“Jose is a brilliant basketball mind, he is a genuin relationship builer and he has an excellent sense of how to grow the game. His temperament, his X and O knowledge, and his proved track record makes him a perfect fit. I have no doubt that Dallas is about to explode in all the best ways.”
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