WNBA Champion Makes Bold Prediction for Dallas Wings 'Leader'

WNBA Champion Makes Bold Prediction for Dallas Wings 'Leader' originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

At 8-32, the Dallas Wings aren't exactly the picture of success. Of course, built around a rookie in Paige Bueckers, there would be some growing pains, but that's not to say that the Wings have an incomplete roster around her.

In fact, with former All-WNBA players Myisha Hines-Allen and Arike Ogunbowale on the roster, one would think that the Wings would be playoff contenders. They currently sit in 11th place, one spot above last, and are hoping the draft lottery will be friendly once again, and with the way their last two seasons have gone, it's easy to imagine them getting a top prospect.

However, not all is lost. Bueckers is a blossoming superstar, and Ogunbowale has made three All-WNBA teams in her career. This season, she's placed an added emphasis on the defensive end of the ball and turned into a two-way star.

Her standout defense earned praise from her teammate, who knows excellence when she sees it.

"It's going to start from our leader right here, Arike, and just putting that 'oomph' on it for her," said Hines-Allen. "I think that's the next progression for her. That's the next progression for Arike: she's going to be Defensive Player of the Year in two seasons. Two seasons. I'll give you two. We're going to start with First Team [All Defense]."

If Bueckers can ascend to an MVP-level and Ogunbowale emerges as a DPOTY candidate, add in another young star, and the Wings should be ready to rock.

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This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Aug 10, 2025, where it first appeared.