Bueckers is fresh off a record-setting season, which she capped with her first NCAA title with the Huskies. There is already debate about whether she will have a similar impact on the league like Caitlin Clark did last year, but Wings executive vice president and general manager Curt Miller said Bueckers is her own story.
“What we have seen number one picks due to franchises around the league is truly special. The trajectory of your team, the momentum that it brings, Paige will do it in her way,” Miller said.
And it could not come at a better time for the Wings, who finished one game out of last place a year ago.
No. 12 pick Aziaha James adds more toughness to the Wings
Aziah James from North Carolina State is another viable scoring option for Dallas. The Wings are loaded offensively and are shaping up to be a team able to outscore any of their opponents. James led the Wolfpack in scoring in her final two seasons, averaging just under 18 points per game.
Miller and head coach Chris Koclanes did not expect James to drop to the final pick in the first round in the draft. The ‘dog mentality’ that James has is more of what Dallas needs. Per Miller, after speaking with James, that mentality was the first thing she mentioned.
“First thing she said was, you got your dog, because we talked about that’s what we were looking for,” Miller said. “We did not expect her to get to 12, so that was a huge pickup for us.”
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Can the Wings be more of a defensive threat this season?
While Arike Ogunbowale led the league in steals last year, defense is an area where Dallas needs to improve the most. They were last in defensive rating, allowing 92.1 points per game. The team is loaded offensively, but scoring is not something that they can solely rely on. Bad shooting nights happen, and when they do, Dallas will need to create offense from their defense. In a statement, Koclanes shared his excitement about the entire draft class and believes they will be helpful on both sides of the ball.
Mississippi’s Madison Scott, for example, adds versatility playing guard or forward. She recorded 158 steals and 30 blocks in five years. Then, there’s JJ Quinerly of West Virginia who was named the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year in 2024 and 2025. She was just the fourth in Big 12 history to earn the honor in back-to-back seasons after Lauren Cox, Brittney Griner and former Wings’ assistant coach Courtney Paris. Baylor’s Aaronette Vonleh can be considered another offensive threat for Dallas as she led the Bears in scoring, averaging just under 15 points per game.
“Aziaha brings us a three-level scorer who can make a play without necessarily needing a play run for her. She’s a certified bucket-getter. Madison’s motor, size, length and heart will allow her to have an impact on both sides of the ball,” he said.
“I’m especially excited about her versatility defensively. JJ is someone we loved watching all year. Her effort and physicality defensively is special and on the offensive side of the ball, it’s tough to keep her from getting to her spots. Aaronette is an incredible athlete with great size and strength. While she’s accomplished so much, her best days are still ahead of her. Every one of them is a leader in their own way, exudes gratitude and appreciation, and are true competitors on the court. We can’t wait to welcome them to Dallas.”
This class of players will have their first litmus test when they travel to face off against the Las Vegas Aces in their first preseason game on May 2.
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