Professionalism Prevails Despite Frustration

With the number one pick in the draft - everything was supposed to be just fine. With one of the league's leading scorers returning - everything was supposed to be just fine. With one of the strongest fan bases in the WNBA - everything was supposed to be just fine this season. 

At print - the Dallas Wings are 1-11. Everything is not fine. The Dallas Wings are 4-12 as of June 26th. 

Injuries have piled up. Winnable games are being lost. Fans are not too keen on the new coach. Other struggling teams are finding their collective stride against Dallas. Trade rumors are buzzing. Few things feel “fine” for the team right now; however, the players are giving new meaning to their degree of professionalism during what could possibly be the most frustrating season in the team’s history.

Arike Ogunbowale has been the centerpiece of the Dallas Wings franchise for most of her seven seasons with the team. She is statistically not having her best season, yet her postgame commentary after each loss has been positive. 

Rookie Paige Bueckers lost a total of 14 games in her four seasons played at the University of Connecticut. Her team will likely surpass that loss total in her first year as a professional. Still, Bueckers is saying all the right things and her demeanor both on the court and on the sideline rivals that of many veterans in the league.

There is clearly tension where losing is a theme, however, the Dallas players have shown a great deal of professionalism in the midst of consistent losses.