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'My Assists Will Go Up': Arike Ogunbowale Embraces Dallas Wings’ New Talent

Originally posted on Dallas Hoops Journal
By Grant Afseth | Last updated May 9, 2025 2:36 PM ET

Arike Ogunbowale has established her reputation as one of the WNBA’s premier scorers. But as the Dallas Wings reshape their identity around a young, versatile core, the veteran guard is ready to adapt her game—and that means getting others more involved.

Now entering her seventh season, Ogunbowale returns as the leader of a dramatically retooled roster that includes No. 1 overall pick Paige Bueckers, along with fellow draftees Aziaha James, Madison Scott, and JJ Quinerly. It’s a new-look group that’s already positively brought new dynamics in training camp—and for Ogunbowale, that means more opportunities to share the ball.

“I didn’t really look to add anything too crazy,” Ogunbowale said during Thursday’s media session. “Going into year seven is more about perfecting the things I’m good at rather than trying to just add a bunch of things. But with new players, just getting used to everybody—and I know my assists will go up because we’ve got some great players on the roster, so I’m excited about that.”

Last season, Ogunbowale averaged 22.2 points, 5.1 assists, 4.6 rebounds, 2.1 steals, and 0.3 blocks across 38.6 minutes per game in 38 appearances. She registered a career high in assists per game, but with more offensive weapons around her in 2025, that number could climb even higher.

Bueckers, in particular, adds a highly efficient presence as a scorer and passer to the backcourt and has already drawn praise from Ogunbowale, who called her “one of the best players to come out of college.” Meanwhile, James, Scott, and Quinerly have shown ways to impact the game within a role, showing traits that complement Ogunbowale’s game.

“There’s definitely a different feel,” Ogunbowale said. “It’s fun getting used to how everyone plays. The talent we have now opens things up.”

Head coach Chris Koclanes has stressed the importance of chemistry and intentional growth, noting that building real cohesion takes time.

“We’re trying not to skip any steps,” he said. “We’re talking a lot about the balance of patience and urgency. It’s about growing relationships, building trust, and the players are treating each other the right way early on.”

With more talent around her, Ogunbowale is positioned to continue her scoring excellence and use her gravity to maximize the talent around her—something that could unlock new looks for the Wings.

“I’m looking forward to playing everybody,” she said. “It’s about being better than last year, building with the people around us, and going all out every game.”

The Wings will wrap up their preseason schedule on Saturday, May 10, with a matchup against Japan’s Toyota Antelopes. They will then tip off the regular season at home on May 16 against the Minnesota Lynx at College Park Center.

This article first appeared on Dallas Hoops Journal and was syndicated with permission.

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