As the Dallas Wings prepare for their final preseason game against the Toyota Antelopes, the team will be without two key players: guard Tyasha Harris and center Luisa Geiselsöder.
Harris returned to full-contact practice earlier this week for the first time since suffering a left knee injury that sidelined her throughout training camp. She participated in live drills, offering a much-needed veteran presence as the Wings continue refining their system under head coach Chris Koclanes.
“She sure did [practice],” Koclanes said. “She’s in there mixing it up — easing her back in, but it was full contact. She went live against our shells and against the guys, and she responded well.”
Harris averaged 10.5 points and 3.0 assists in 39 games last season and is expected to play a critical role backing up starters Paige Bueckers and Arike Ogunbowale. Her status remains day-to-day heading into the regular season. Koclanes emphasized Harris’ leadership, basketball IQ, and ability to stabilize the offense.
“She’s incredible. She brings a calming presence to everybody,” Koclanes said. “She can fill gaps, play comfortably off the ball, dominate the ball, and get us into our sets. And if things get a little wacky, she can bring everyone together — chill. We’re good.”
Geiselsöder will also be unavailable due to ongoing professional commitments overseas. Geiselsöder signed a training camp contract with the Wings in February but has continued playing for Basket Landes in France’s La Boulangère Wonderligue.
There is currently no reported injury for Geiselsöder; her absence is strictly related to international obligations. It remains to be seen if she will join the Wings this season.
The Wings will close their preseason schedule against the Toyota Antelopes on May 10. Final roster decisions are expected shortly thereafter, and the regular season will begin on May 16 against the Minnesota Lynx.
More must-reads:
Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!