WHY THE DALLAS WINGS AND JJ QUINERLY ARE MATCH MADE IN HEAVEN—APRIL 17, 2025—Earlier this week, The Dallas Wings selected former West Virginia Mountaineers guard JJ Quinerly with the 27th pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft. Let’s discuss why this may have been a sneaky-good selection for Dallas.
Dallas Wings Were One Of The Best Offensive Teams In 2024
Dallas finished last season with the second-worst win-loss total in the association at 9-31. This included a painful nine-game losing skid to end the season.
On one hand, the Wings boasted a formidable offense. They were ranked fourth in scoring and sixth in offensive efficiency. Additionally, Dallas had five players who posted double-digit scoring averages.
Wings Need A Ton Of Help At The Defensive End Of The Floor
Conversely, this team struggled from a defensive perspective. Dallas allowed 92.1 points per outing and 114 points per 100 possessions, which were last in the association. But the story does not end there.
The Wings’ opponents shot 47.3 percent from the field and 36.5 percent from beyond the arc. As you’ve probably guessed, Dallas placed last in these categories as well. Given the glaring trends, the Wings could undoubtedly use some talent to help improve their defensive shortcomings.
This is where Quinnerly factors into the equation.
Quinerly Could Be Just What The Doctor Ordered For Dallas
While her 20.4 points-per-game scoring average last season should not be overlooked, Quinerly is just as valuable at the other end of the court.
The 5-foot-8 guard was named the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year and earned All-Big 12 First Team and All-Big 12 Defensive Team honors. She is the only player in school history to be named the conference’s Defensive Player of the Year, accomplishing the feat in back-to-back seasons.
Quinerly is the fourth player in Big-12 history to be DPOY multiple times, joining a list that includes Courtney Paris, Brittney Griner, and Lauren Cox. And if that isn’t impressive enough, Quinerly is just the second player in the program’s history to earn a first-team selection three times during her collegiate career.
In addition to concluding her career at WVU ranked third on the all-time scoring list, Quinerly also finished third on the all-time steals list. Following a busy draft night, here is what head coach Chris Koclanes had to say about the team’s recent additions, including Quinerly.
“We are excited about our entire draft class,” Koclanes said via WNBA.com. “Aziaha brings us a three-level scorer who can make a play without necessarily needing a play run for her. She’s a certified bucket-getter. Madison’s motor, size, length, and heart will allow her to have an impact on both sides of the ball. I’m especially excited about her versatility defensively.”
“JJ is someone we loved watching all year. Her effort and physicality defensively are special, and on the offensive side of the ball, it’s tough to keep her from getting to her spots. Aaronette is an incredible athlete with great size and strength. While she’s accomplished so much, her best days are still ahead of her. Every one of them is a leader in their own way, exudes gratitude and appreciation, and are true competitors on the court. We can’t wait to welcome them to Dallas.”
Although Quinerly stayed on the board until the third round, she is a capable player at both ends of the court. And if given enough playing time, she will be a valuable addition to this franchise for many years to come.
