Dallas Wings head coach Jose Fernandez made waves for calling out his players after a close loss last week. In a postgame press conference on Thursday night, Fernandez bluntly stated, "It's real talk, and it's accountability. There's selfishness in this locker room. You gotta look in the mirror and be accountable." The comments came after the Wings lost a tight game to the Minnesota Lynx despite leading for most of the contest.
While some fans criticized Fernandez for being too harsh so early in the season, players like Maddy Siegrist and Aziaha James voiced support. The team responded with a commanding 23-point win over the Washington Mystics on Monday, recording a season-high 30 assists. However, such public criticism does not always yield positive results.
Lessons from Recent Examples
University of Tennessee head coach Kim Caldwell faced backlash after saying her team "will just quit on you" following a 43-point loss to South Carolina in February. Tennessee lost eight of its last nine games and ended the season without any players on the roster. Conversely, Texas head coach Vic Schaefer called his team "the softest I've had in years" after a 16-point loss to Vanderbilt. The Longhorns responded by winning 12 straight games and reaching the Final Four.
Questions Coaches Should Ask
Before speaking negatively to the media, WNBA coaches should consider several key questions:
- Will my team take this personally? Coaches must know their players' temperaments. If public criticism will motivate the team, it may be useful. But if there is any doubt, it's better to keep discussions private.
- Will this put a bad spotlight on my team? Comments to the press drive social media narratives. For example, LA Sparks coach Lynne Roberts inadvertently created a storyline about Cameron Brink's slow start by commenting on her minutes, only to later ask the media to stop the narrative.
- Do I want my team to like me and trust me? Building trust is crucial, especially for first-year coaches like Fernandez, who took over a team that finished last with 10 wins the previous season.
- Do I like my job? If yes, it's often wise to avoid airing grievances publicly, as it can lead to calls for firing.
Fashion Highlights: Denim-on-Denim
Nneka Ogwumike of the LA Sparks sported a baggy pinstriped denim set for a Hollywood tunnel walk. Gabby Williams of the Golden State Valkyries defied fashion norms with a unique denim look. Angel Reese of the Atlanta Dream paired jorts with a Gucci belt, sandals, and Hermès purse, embodying a "Rich Auntie Running Errands" vibe.
Quote of the Week
Natasha Cloud criticized refereeing after the Chicago Sky's 86-79 win over the Minnesota Lynx, saying, "Truthfully, I think it's bullshit. Obviously, I needed to get a tech. It was very intentional because I will be damned if a player gets hurt on our team from something controllable by the referees." Cloud's teammate Rickea Jackson suffered an ACL injury during the game and will miss the rest of the season.
Must-Watch Matchups
Golden State Valkyries vs New York Liberty (Thursday, May 21, 8pm ET, Amazon Prime): The Liberty dominated last season, but both teams have retooled for an epic duel in Brooklyn.
Dallas Wings vs Atlanta Dream (Friday, May 22, 7:30pm ET, ION): The Dream lost a nail-biter to the Aces in their home opener. Both teams are hungry for wins, and Paige Bueckers will face the deadly duo of Allisha Gray and Angel Reese.
This article is adapted from WNBA 30, a weekly newsletter covering the biggest stories in the league. Subscribe for free and share your thoughts on breakout players at wnba30@theguardian.com.
