Dallas Wings Head Coach Drops Two Areas Of Concern Following Win Against Indiana Fever

The Dallas Wings had quite a forgettable outing under Chris Koclanes last year. Determined to turn things around, the Wings front office appointed Jose Fernandez as their head coach. And along with the change, a lot of responsibilities were also vested in the former USF coach. 

Soon after the news broke, Geno Auriemma termed Fernandez a perfect fit. However, as the new season comes closer, the 54-year-old is making sure that no stones are being left unturned. And that’s why the Wings’ head coach was very much critical of his team even after an upbeat victory.

Jose Fernandez Unhappy With The Dallas Wings’ Defense 

Wings took on the Indiana Fever in a high-profile preseason clash. Touted as the battle between Paige Bueckers and Caitlin Clark, the excitement for the game was sky-high. Thankfully for Dallas, despite some strong showing from Stephanie White’s girls, the Wings prevailed via a 95-80 win. Now, such a performance should have otherwise impressed the head coach. But Fernandez wants things to be perfect. 

Speaking about his team’s pain points, the 54-year-old coach said, “Holy cow, the two areas of concern is us keeping the ball in front of us and straight line drives. We’re overextending a lot of things that we need to fix. We do got to do a much better job trusting our help and bringing our help from the other places. And individual defense just walling up and making people shoot at Okris.”

Coach Jose Fernandez talking about the things the Wings need to work on defensively after tonight’s preseason game.

🎥 @DallasWings pic.twitter.com/RV6Xk2meF7

— The Wings Bulletin (@WingsBulletin) May 1, 2026

Well, the team does have some areas to improve upon. But at first glance, the Wings looked much more improved than last year. Bueckers top-scored with 20 points in 20 minutes. Giving her able company were Maddy Siegrist (18 points) and Aziaha James (17 points). Meanwhile, Azzi Fudd too suited up in Dallas’ colors and dropped four points after logging in for 16 minutes. 

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Meanwhile, as the Wings’ HC is trying to get things perfect for his team, the 2025 Rookie of the Year had an interesting admission. 

Paige Bueckers Finds Stark Similarities Between Jose Fernandez And Geno Auriemma

Recently, the Wings’ head coach listed the 23-year-old’s unique qualities.  On the contrary, Bueckers, too, had a lot to say about her new coach. Having spent a lot of time under Auriemma’s coaching, the WNBA All-Star pointed out how Fernandez reminded her of the UConn Huskies HC.

“He does remind me a lot of Coach Geno. In terms of discipline, structure, the culture that he wants to build, and the no BS mentality where he doesn’t let anything slide. He’s very detail-oriented, but he also communicates well with the players,” said Bueckers. 

Paige Bueckers said head coach Jose Fernandez reminds her of Geno Auriemma with his discipline, structure, “no BS” mentality and communicating well with the players.

I asked Paige how does that help her having a coach like that?

“It gives you confidence…” pic.twitter.com/sfhA92wVnC

— Landon Thomas (@sixfivelando) April 19, 2026

Thus, with a lot of permutations and combinations to play with, fans will be eager to find out what’s next.