Wings News: Paige Bueckers' Coaching Lesson from Scouting Azzi Fudd
The new Dallas Wings head coach, José Fernández, is gearing up for an exciting challenge this offseason. With the team's ongoing rebuild and the goal of reaching the 2026 WNBA season, Fernández must also focus on Paige Bueckers' development as a superstar player. In an insightful interview with the 'No Offseason: The Athletic Women's Basketball Show' podcast, Fernández shared a unique learning experience from scouting top draft prospect Azzi Fudd.
Fernández's three-day visit to UConn to observe Fudd's play and the UConn women's basketball team's performance against Ohio State revealed valuable insights. He spent time with head coach Geno Auriemma, discussing various strategies and their impact on Bueckers. Auriemma's perspective, driven by his deep care for Fudd's success, proved invaluable.
Fernández explained, "I was there for three days, watching the team practice and play. I had extensive conversations with Coach Auriemma about different schemes, including Paige's involvement in pick-and-roll plays, slot positioning, and middle-of-the-floor strategies. When she faced denial and the ball was brought up by another player, it was fascinating to see how these scenarios unfolded."
This experience highlights the importance of understanding players' strengths and weaknesses. Fernández's approach emphasizes the need for a tailored coaching strategy for each player, ensuring their success on the court.
As Fernández takes on the new role, he aims to set a winning standard for the Wings, who finished the 2025 season with a 10-34 record. His introduction to the team in early November promised a fresh start, stating, "This won't be the same old Dallas Wings. Change is coming, and we're gonna win."
Fernández's journey to becoming the head coach began at USF, where he took over the lead role in November 2000, just seven months after joining as an assistant coach. His teams achieved remarkable success, appearing in 10 NCAA Tournaments and securing 12 seasons with 20 wins. Over a nine-year period, his teams were ranked in the top 25 for a total of 79 weeks, showcasing his exceptional coaching abilities.
