Latest news with #LuisaGeiselsoder
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Dallas Wings head coach Chris Koclanes dealing with harsh reality
The post Dallas Wings head coach Chris Koclanes dealing with harsh reality appeared first on ClutchPoints. The Dallas Wings held a comfortable lead with over four minutes remaining against the Las Vegas on Friday night. Was Dallas on the verge of upsetting a talented Aces team on the road? Were the Wings set to improve to 2-10 for the 2025 season? All indications were pointing in that direction until an undeniable collapse occurred. Advertisement The Aces went on a run and Wings head coach Chris Koclanes was seemingly hesitant to call a timeout. He also avoided using a challenge with over three minutes remaining despite Wings players appearing to urge him to challenge a play. It wasn't all on Koclanes — the Wings had some costly late-game errors — but in the end, the Aces emerged victorious with an 88-84 win. The Wings now hold a 1-11 record, a mark that is the worst in the WNBA. For Koclanes, a harsh reality is beginning to set in. A week ago, Arike Ogunbowale avoided directly answering a question about him. Ogunbowale later praised a Wings assistant coach, however. In the WNBA, players often do postgame media alongside their head coach. That's how it was for the Wings through the first 11 games of the '25 campaign. After Friday's defeat, though, the Wings announced that Arike Ogunbowale and Luisa Geiselsoder were going to do postgame media first and Koclanes would later follow. Advertisement Why did this occur? Only the team knows, but it certainly isn't a good look following a devastating loss that saw Koclanes make multiple questionable decisions. During his postgame availability, Koclanes admitted he should have used a challenge during the game. 'Had a challenge, I probably should have used one of them there before three minutes because I also had another timeout that you lose it anyway,' he said. What's going on with the Wings? The fact of the matter is that only the players know how they truly feel about Koclanes. There are signs that suggest Koclanes could be losing the locker room, though. I'm not saying that is absolutely what is happening — but the indications are present. Advertisement Koclanes' comments about losing the game suggest he is becoming frustrated as well. He often maintains a calm and laidback demeanor, but he was clearly unhappy with his team's late-game performance on Friday night. 'It was just the definition of how to let a lead slip,' Koclanes said. 'They didn't score a bucket until it was the go-ahead bucket. We just put them to the free throw line, clock stops, two points, go turn it over, put them to the free throw line… When do you just let them go and let them go fast? When do you tell them to hold up?' When asked about team chemistry, Geiselsoder said things are fine. 'Our team chemistry is great. Honestly, I have a lot of fun with this team,' Geiselsoder, who will leave for EuroBasket on Saturday before returning in July, told reporters. 'We support each other, we have each others' back. It's a lot of fun… It's fun to be around the girls. I enjoy it a lot.' Advertisement Losing is never an enjoyable experience, but the Wings' players are doing everything they can to continue to support one another. The team is not going to give up. But one has to wonder if the player-coach relationship is still intact. During her postgame availability, Ogunbowale mentioned a 'disconnect' led to the Wings' collapse. She did not blame anyone specifically, but using that word suggests that more than struggles from an on-court standpoint are present. Ogunbowale, the leader of this team, is not afraid to say exactly what is on her mind. What's next for Chris Koclanes? Koclanes is trying his best in his first season as a WNBA head coach. Has he made mistakes? Sure. Advertisement However, there was one specific quote about the Wings' defeat on Friday that was rather puzzling. Koclanes practically admitted that this team did not know how to play in a close game with a lead. 'It's taking the learning from it and just continuing to get better. Close, you gotta learn… We haven't had a lead, we haven't played in a tight game like that with a lead,' Koclanes told reporters. 'We will be better for it. Wish we would have come out with a win.' The point Koclanes was attempting to make is clear. The Wings have struggled in the third quarter throughout the '25 campaign, so they haven't had many leads late in the fourth quarter. However, seemingly admitting that the team did not know how to close out a game is not what fans want to hear. As a head coach, the expectation is that you have enough experience to lead a team to a victory late in any contest. There are plenty of experienced players on the Wings who also know how to win late in games. Advertisement It's only been 12 contests, but the Wings' 1-11 record is telling. Related: Wings acquire 6'7″ center in trade with Storm Related: Wings' Paige Bueckers jokingly reveals what 'traumatized' her into seafood phobia
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Wings' emerging secret weapon keeps it real on career-first vs. Sparks
The post Wings' emerging secret weapon keeps it real on career-first vs. Sparks appeared first on ClutchPoints. ARLINGTON, TX — The Los Angeles Sparks defeated the Dallas Wings by a final score of 93-79 on Friday night. With the loss, Dallas now holds a 1-8 overall record. DiJonai Carrington led the Wings with 16 points while JJ Quinerly added 14. Meanwhile, Luisa Geiselsoder recorded an 11-point, 10-rebound double-double to go along with six assists, two steals and a blocked shot. Advertisement Geiselsoder will leave for EuroBasket in mid-June. The Wings are going to miss her without question, as she displayed her intriguing ceiling on Friday night. Although it has been a difficult start to the '25 campaign for the team, Geiselsoder has been a bright spot. She may be the Wings' secret weapon. 'I'm happy that I can help the team,' Geiselsoder told reporters after the game. 'It would definitely be better if we would get out with a win… The numbers don't say anything if you don't win the game. I'm definitely happy. I'm happy that I can show that I can compete in this league but the goal is to win games and right now we're not winning games.' Geiselsoder, a 6'4″ center, gives the Wings size while positively impacting the game. She often makes the right play, something this Dallas team desperately needs on a more consistent basis overall. On Friday, Geiselsoder was arguably the Wings' best overall player. 'One, a consistent energy and effort,' Wings head coach Chris Koclanes said of what Luisa Geiselsoder brings to the Wings. 'And then two, a smart piece that is a connector on both sides of the floor… Communicates and understands schemes defensively, is there early… is able to execute multiple coverages… She can keep guards in front as well, she moves extremely well. And then offensively, just a connector of the offense, right? A screener, catch, move it, screen, roll, just a constant connector and we need more ball-movers like that.' Advertisement It has been a challenging start to the season for Dallas. With Paige Bueckers potentially set to return from injury soon — and Luisa Geiselsoder playing well — perhaps Dallas will bounce back at some point in the near-future. The Wings' next game is scheduled for Sunday afternoon at 4 PM EST in Arlington, TX against the Minnesota Lynx. Defeating the 8-0 Lynx will prove to be a challenge without question, but Dallas will attempt to pull off the upset in front of the home fans. Related: Wings head coach grabs attention with 'poor' assessment of early-season performance Related: Dallas Wings' coach hints at roster additions in near-future
