Chris Koclanes Admits Truth on Paige Bueckers’ Wings Future Amid Challenging Season

As the Dallas Wings entered the arena to play against the Atlanta Dream today, they were already missing seven players. Then, there was Paige Bueckers, who was first listed as questionable with the illness that forced her to miss out on the last game, but she was there in the starting lineup. The Wings could go on without seven players, but not without “Rookie of the Year” as crowned by the head coach. Even before taking up the floor against Dream, HC Chris Koclanes was quite sure about her.

The coach was well aware that the 2025 No. 1 overall pick by the Wings has an impact that goes far beyond the box score. But what really stood out to him was “how she’s navigated this season.” So, in the pregame press conference, he didn’t hold back. “Both of those pieces have been instrumental, behind the scenes in our locker room in keeping this group together and establishing a strong culture and a really strong foundation,” he shared.

Yes, when the Wings collapsed, it was PB who remained a steadying voice, and Grace Berger can strongly attest to that. She was struggling against the Fever with just two points and no assists in 16 minutes, but it was PB who lifted her up. She applauded her growing confidence and organization of the offense. But it isn’t just about Berger.

She showed the exact same encouragement for Maddy Siegrist, who had a 23-point contribution against the Las Vegas Aces. But even then she was quite disappointed due to the loss. Leave it to Bueckers to lift the spirits once again. The rookie called her a “workhorse” who thrives in transition. It’s always been team first for the UConn alumna, so, you know why Koclanes trusts her to be the future of the Wings’ franchise.

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