Chris Koclanes’ firing turned into a full-on “will they or won’t they” saga. On one hand, they would be changing coaches in consecutive seasons, but the team’s performance really lagged under Koclanes, despite No. 1 draft pick Paige Bueckers’ impressive performances. Finally, they decided to move on from the inexperienced Koclanes, beginning the hunt for a new coach.

Curt Miller, the team’s executive vice president and general manager, said in a statement, “As we enter a pivotal point in our team’s future, we felt a change in leadership at this time was best for our organization.” Flaws aside, Koclanes gave another player exactly the platform she’d been craving: Li Yeuru. The international recruit will now remain in the US for the offseason, too.

“I came to America only for one reason — just that I want to play basketball,” Yueru has said. Now she will get another chance to showcase her talent in the US. Yueru has signed up for the 3-on-3 league, Unrivaled, founded by Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier, for its 2026 season, the league has announced.

Yeuru was one of the bright spots for the Dallas Wings in 2025. After being traded in June, she averaged 7.4 points and 5.8 rebounds while chipping in with 1.0 assists, thriving with Paige Bueckers at point guard. 11 of Yeuru’s points came from Bueckers’ assists (most). The highlight of her season was a 20-point, 4-rebound performance in their win against the Indiana Fever. However, she suffered an MCL strain in their next game against the Los Angeles Sparks, which ended her season. 

Regardless of who the coach is in 2026, the Wings would like to retain Yueru, who gives them a solid long-term center that provides outside shooting. She is 25 and her best years are still ahead of her. Unrivaled will provide her an excellent platform to play with the best and against the best. The 3 v 3 format will improve her individual quality around the rim as well. 

In addition to her on-court play, the Wings have given up two draft picks, including a valuable second-round pick in next year’s draft, which gives them enough reason to stick with her. As Yueru looks to build on her breakout season and further her development, the question now shifts to who will guide both her and Paige Bueckers going forward, making the Wings’ next coaching hire just as critical as retaining their young core.

It might look tiring to restart, as they did the same thing last year. And with Paige Bueckers, it seemed their Caitlin Clark moment. Her Year 1 went about arguably even worse than Wings 2023, finishing with a 10-34 record. Regardless of the results, Koclanes failed to form a proper identity, often turning to rookie Bueckers for some magic. Going into 2026, Wings might thank their lucky stars that there is a serial winner in Sandy Brondello on the market.

Sandy Brondello Might Be Dallas’ Turning Point

Brondello is used to being at top teams. She started at Phoenix, winning a title and reaching the playoffs each season. And the trend continued at the New York Liberty.  While one could argue that she hasn’t prepared her to rebuild a broken Dallas team, she isn’t one to shy away from a challenge, especially after fan accusations that she can’t win without star power. Brondello will be eager to prove them wrong.

 While she might not be used to losing seasons, what she is proficient in is developing elite guards. Title-winning mastermind with Diana Taurasi and Sabrina Ionescu, Brondello has coached the best. Brondello’s pacy and spread-the-floor style of basketball might be a great fit for Bueckers and Yueru. Bueckers is an elite three-level scorer who almost always makes the right decision, which is very important to maintain the pace. 

On the other hand, Yueru gives her schemes a screener and a deep-seal target. Her rim protection, rebounding, and interior finishing can thrive in Brondello’s read-and-react flow if matchups minimize perimeter exposures. Brondello’s track record is the best of any available coach, a change from Koclanes.