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'Pick Up Every Single Time': DiJonai Carrington Details Dallas Wings Defensive Leadership Role

Originally posted on Dallas Hoops Journal
By Grant Afseth | Last updated May 8, 2025 11:28 PM ET

As the 2025 WNBA regular season approaches, DiJonai Carrington is taking on more than just hustle — she’s stepping into leadership.

The reigning WNBA Most Improved Player of the Year is coming off a strong season, averaging 12.7 points, 5.0 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and 1.6 steals for the Connecticut Sun. Carrington’s 2024 campaign also earned her a spot on the All-Defensive First Team.

Now with the Dallas Wings, Carrington is being asked to anchor a new-look defense — one shaped by first-year head coach Chris Koclanes, who previously coached her in Connecticut.

“My goal is to be the head of our defense,” Carrington said. “Chris coached me in Connecticut and was the defensive guru. I want everyone to level up on that side of the ball. We’re trying to completely flip the script.”

After Thursday’s practice, Carrington opened up about how the coaching staff is pushing her into a more vocal, demanding role — one that demands defensive intensity, vocal leadership, and full-court pressure.

“The sideline is really on me,” Carrington said. “This is a new role for me, too. I’ve been able to lead a lot the past few years of my career, but now obviously I’m still learning — and I have to be in more of a leadership role.”

Carrington’s approach to on-ball defense is one area where that shift is already showing up. Specifically, picking up opposing guards the full 94 feet instead of settling into the half-court while guarding wings. This is especially valuable when the Wings deploy Arike Ogunbowale and Paige Bueckers alongside Carrington in three-guard lineups by taking pressure off the primary scorers and playmakers in the unit.

“They’re pushing me to pick up the ball more,” she said. “Usually I’ve been guarding the wings, so I’ve been able to run back as opposed to picking up 94 feet. Now they’re just reminding me: pick up every single time. No matter who I’m in with, I’m trying to pick up the point guard — and I think that’ll help me stay in shape.”

Carrington’s defensive mindset isn’t new, but the expectation that she set the tone for the entire unit reflects the Wings’ internal transformation. Dallas finished last in defensive rating in 2024, and Carrington has made it clear that it won’t be repeated.

“It’s inevitable. I’m gonna be the head on the defensive side,” she said. “Everyone’s gonna have off days shooting. We’re not always gonna get the calls. But the one thing we can stand on every single game is our defense.”

Carrington’s voice in practice has been consistent, her motor unmatched, and her competitive example, from picking up full court to contesting every rep, contagious.

“DiJonai is probably one of the best defenders in the league,” said Maddy Siegrist. “To have somebody like that in your ear — and in everyone’s ear — is huge.”

When Carrington gets after it defensively, it sets a tone for the rest of the unit. NaLyssa Smith credits Carrington’s relentless determination with making a strong impact.

“I think just the will to want to play defense,” Smith said of Carrington. “A lot of people don’t embrace defense, and she really embraces that. She knows that’s what she’s great at. So she always has high energy, and she wants to play defense. So I think that’s what makes her great.”

By embracing a more vocal and visible leadership role, Carrington is helping Dallas build a defensive identity that begins the moment the ball is inbounded.

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

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