The Dallas Wings tried to make the most of their top pick, Paige Bueckers, in the 2025 season. The team succeeded commercially, filling the arenas and selling merchandise. But on the court, it looked disconnected. The 2024 top scorer, Arike Ogunbowale, struggled without the ball, and PB also couldn’t control the downfall. It resulted in a possible heartbreaking early-season wrap-up.
Yet for the Dallas fans, there are many positives from the season. Regarding their franchise player, fans will be pleased with a small detail that could encourage them for the upcoming season.
Arike Ogunbowale Winning Praise Despite Struggle
Playing in her seventh season with the Wings, the former Notre Dame player saw many changes on the side. The front office put her at the center of the rebuild on multiple occasions, making her the face of the franchise and one of the highest-paid WNBA players.
Yet, the inclusion of Paige Bueckers changed the dynamics with the player at a similar position and skillset, possibly overtaking the vet. New coach Chris Koclanes put the rookie at the center of the offensive plays. This took the ball away from the seasoned playmaker for the Wings.
Highlighting the same point, Bleacher Report’s Nikias Duncan praised the 28-year-old star. He lauded the veteran for settling in her new role and making the most of it. In his article, he wrote, “She’s been very willing to both operate off the ball and simply get off the ball when she doesn’t have anything. A quick example: She’s averaging 2.9 dribbles per touch since the All-Star break, slightly down from her pre-break number (3.4) and a massive departure from last season’s mark (4.0). It also helps that she’s cashing in jumpers now, notably knocking down 37.5 per cent of her catch-and-shoot threes.”
The former UConn player is an elite ball handler and playmaker. The four-time All-Star willingly gave her role to the rookie and took responsibility for scoring. Though a thumb injury hindered her natural movements and shooting, she is still an elite scorer. With her few record-breaking performances in the season, Ogunbowale still kept a high average in the games.
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Arike Ogunbowale Building Great Chemistry With Paige Bueckers
When the Dallas Wings drafted Bueckers as their first overall pick, everyone had concerns over her playing position and the role of established Ogunbowale. At the start of the season, the HC mentioned that they would share possession. He added that it will rather be an offensive threat to the opposing defense as a double header attack.
While the first few games were a testing phase for the side, the team couldn’t capitalize on HC’s dream backcourt duo. Arike Ogunbowale was even in the trade talk before the deadline. But Koclanes added that the chemistry between the two stars is improving.
Chris Koclanes on Arike Ogunbowale and Paige Bueckers: "They're getting closer and closer… You heard them speak to it. They're being extremely intentional about, 'hey, we can do this together. Forget what the media is saying, forget the narratives that are out there, we're in…
— Joey Mistretta (@JoeyMistretta_) July 29, 2025
Even the team’s GM mentioned that both stars are actively taking part in the recruitment process. They are giving their input to the front office. This is an excellent sign for the side looking to build on their current roster with the core getting on the same page.