The Dallas Wins started their rebuilding process with the appointment of Jose Fernandez as HC. The 53-year-old is one of the most respected coaches, famous for his expertise in player development. But before taking his team on the floor, the first primary task on his hands would be the 2026 WNBA draft.
Examining the Wings’ ranking over the last two seasons, there is a chance that the Texas franchise will land a lottery draft pick, allowing them to select a player from the top 5 prospects in the 2026 WNBA draft class. However, according to Jack Maloney, the veteran coach would request a surprise pick, which the franchise would also appreciate.
Jose Fernandez Could Surprise With Shocking Draft Pick
The 2026 draft pick is the most interesting one, considering the talent available in the free agency before it. While teams will look to secure top championship-caliber players from free agency, they wouldn’t want to miss on the stacked draft class, too, to build their future stars.
With a possibility of landing in the top 3 draft selections, many assume that the Wings will reunite Azzi Fudd and Paige Bueckers to give them an elite duo for the long term. However, according to CBS Sports’ Jack Malony, that might not be the case, as he predicts foreign talent Awa Fam.
In his article, Maloney wrote, “The 6-foot-4 Fam is an extremely fluid athlete, and her versatility at her size on both sides of the ball is the major reason she’s such a highly rated prospect. It’s easy to envision a future in which she’s one of the best players in the world.”
There is no doubt that the Wings will be targeting forwards after their disappointing performance in the 2025 season. But choosing the Valencia player over Lauren Betts or UConn’s Azzi Fudd would be a big surprise.
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Early impact from Awa Fam in the 1Q vs Estudiantes:
— Alford Corriette (@alfcorriette) November 2, 2025
– screen and roll leads to miscommunication (Valencia finds her for two)
– at the top of the key, she finds a cutting Atkinson who draws the foul
– Valencia finds Fam for a turnaround hook pic.twitter.com/tBImtdwfqG
Although the analysis is not entirely false either, Fam will be 19 at the start of the next WNBA season and will provide more longevity and be easier to shape for the system. Considering her potential and Fernandez’s ability to develop stars, Fam’s selection would make more sense.
More importantly, GM Curt Miller also hinted at Awa Fam’s interest with his latest visit to Spain. Whoever might be the first pick for Dallas on the 2026 WNBA draft night, one thing remains constant – the centerpiece of the franchise is Paige Bueckers.
Jose Fernandez Already Has A Franchise Player In Paige Bueckers
The excitement at the time of the 2025 lottery draft announcement said it all as the Wings locked their eyes on generational talent from UConn. She was spectacular in her first season, winning Rookie of the Year and making All-WNBA Second Team despite the team’s lack of success.
With her versatility and ability to impact the games on both ends of the floor, many consider her the most valuable asset on any franchise. There is no question that Awa Fam proves 2026 WNBA Draft No. 1 pick potential, but the former South Florida coach knows his ‘star,’ and he will heavily rely on her production.