Jose Fernandez Lists Paige Bueckers’ Qualities That Makes Her Coachable

The Dallas Wings are looking to take a solid step in the 2026 season following their back-to-back poor seasons in the league. Franchise appointed Jose Ferenandez as its head coach and built a team around Paige Bueckers, who once again proved to be the difference maker for her side.

While her former coach, Geno Auriemma, praised the Wings’ coach’s appointment, calling him the perfect fit for the franchise and Bueckers, Fernandez also loved his early training period with the Wings’ team. He singled out the 2025 rookie as the top player to coach.

Jose Fernandez Talks About Paige Bueckers’ Qualities

After a national championship run with the UConn Huskies, the 2025 top pick was looking forward to a productive season. Although she delivered at an individual level, the team failed to match her performance. Now, Fernandez is looking to turn things around, as he praised his superstar player.

“To coach a player like Paige. She leads, she connects, she wants to be coached, she wants to take ownership. Been a pleasure to coach. That’s why she is who she is.” Fernandez said.

Dallas Wings Head Coach Jose Fernandez on Paige Bueckers via @DALHoopsJournal “To coach a player like Paige. She leads, she connects, she wants to be coached, she wants to take ownership. Been a pleasure to coach. That’s why she is who she is. #WINGSUP pic.twitter.com/ncHv84Cb9I

— Anastasia (@TheAnastasia25) April 21, 2026

While she was with Team USA, Sue Bird noted key qualities that help Bueckers “bring everybody together”. Jose Fernandez will also look for a similar impact with the Dallas team after the side made some shrewd additions to the roster, making them one of the top five starting lineups in the 2026 season.

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The player also gave her Wings’ coach high praise, comparing him with legendary Geno Auriemma.

Paige Bueckers Sees Similarity Between Jose Fernandez And Geno Auriemma

The UConn Huskies became one of the top sides in the NCAA circuit after winning 12 championships and dominating the league. The 72-year-old coach was the architect behind all the success, and Bueckers had first-hand experience with him.

Now comparing Fernandez with Auriemma, she said, “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.”

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

The Wings will be looking for a similar impact from the coach after the previous coaches failed to make an impression on the team and win titles.