Dallas Wings: Chris Koclanes Talks Leadership & Hines-Allen’s Versatility

ARLINGTON — The last scoreboard the Dallas Wings finished with was 114–52, but the Wings didn’t let off the gas.

However, the morning after steamrolling the Toyota Antelopes, Dallas hit the hardwood like the score was flipped. Practice was all about preparation. The Wings were playing situational basketball and finding their rhythm — again. Practice was about getting ready to play against one of the best teams in the elague in the Minnesota Lynx.

Head coach Chris Koclanes wasn’t just running drills. He was handing out trust.

“Everyone on this team is a leader,” Koclanes said. “I empower them all to lead each other.”

That trust and energy has already trickled down the roster. Rookie guard Aziaha James, who’s getting ready to make her professional debut, is still beaming. Still catching her breath. Still soaking in the dream.

“I’m happy, you know,” James said. “It’s a dream come true. Since I’ve been a little girl.”

And it keeps showing. In practice, James looked sharp. Poised. Confident in her reads and smooth off the bounce. Her energy matched the Wings’ collective vibe and she, like normal was in practice locked in, but loving it.

The Pieces Are Clicking

Kalia Charles was one of the last to leave the gym.

Again. But not before breaking down the defensive focus of the day.

“We did a good job of watching film and coming here and executing it,” she said. “Just staying focused throughout the practice and paying attention to detail.”

That’s the Wings right now. The Wings are staying very focused on the film, obsessed with the margins and making sure that they can continue the habits that they’ve been learning throughout Koclanes’ practices. Charles is quietly setting the tone — and keeping eyes on the rookies, especially one in particular.

“She [Paige Bueckers] came in very confident,” Charles said. “As a rookie she knows what she brings to this team… she loves to share the ball, but she can get her own points. She’s done a great job leading by example even though she’s younger… I’m excited to see her growth.”

Bueckers’ shot continues to look clean. Whether she is on the ball or off the ball, Bueckers is smooth off the catch and fluid off the dribble. The No. 1 pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft looks like someone who has played like someone who already knows the scout. Every movement had intention. She’s not “adjusting to the speed.” She is the speed.

Speaking of movement, Arike Ogunbowale looked completely at ease off-ball. Sliding into space, curling off screens — and the ball kept finding her. Always does.

“She knows what this team is capable of,” Charles said. “We need Arike, as much as we need Paige… Arike is our leader.”

Building from the Inside

While the guards flew around, the bigs got to work.

Teaira McCowan was, in a word, dominant. Every paint touch was a bucket waiting to happen. She sealed hard, finished stronger, and made it clear: the paint belongs to her. Physicality was and still is a staple of her game, and she displayed it.

Additionally, NaLyssa Smith is still working that jumper, and it’s working. Smith buried a beautiful fadeaway in rhythm, with all the confidence of someone who knows it’s going to drop. The chemistry with Myisha Hines-Allen is starting to spark something interesting.

Koclanes lit up when talking about Hines-Allen.

“You see it with her ability to facilitate from the perimeter… she’s a great passer… it gives our offense a whole another level,” he said. “Defensively, the versatility piece allows us to explore different things. I enjoy having those options available.”

It’s early, but you can already feel it — this team is deeper, sharper, and nastier than it was a year ago.

No starting lineup yet. Koclanes is still tinkering. But one thing’s clear: the competition is real, and the bar is rising.

And if you’re wondering where the Wings are right now — they’re already there. Tip-off’s days away, but this team is already clocked in.