ARLINGTON, TX- With the start of the WNBA regular season less than a week away, the Dallas Wings group feel very prepared for what is ahead because of the way they utilized their offseason, whether that be in the states or overseas.
Returning forward Satou Sabally continued her season overseas playing for the Turkish league where she helped lead a 82-56 win over Cukurova alongside Emma Messeeman in game three of the Turkish league finals.
She treated her time overseas as another training camp and feels prepared for her return to the court with the Wings.
“The games were super competitive,” said Sabally. “I love playing in the EuroLeague and the Turkish league was really demanding. I feel in game shape.”
Forward Satou Sabally (Photo/Dallas Wings)
Playing at high post and getting her post game stronger were some of the things she wanted to perfect.
“I also focused on my 3-point shot and high release. It comes down to the mechanics and getting a lot of high reps, taking all the shots, and getting the skillset locked down.”
Offseason in the states was prioritized for returning point-guard Veronica Burton. She said being able to spend the offseason in Dallas was very beneficial because she got to work very closely with the new coaching staff.
“With a lot of new coaches and members being able to train with them in the offseason was huge for me and I learned a lot from them.”
During Burton’s offseason she focused on improving facing pressure at half court.
“I’ve noticed myself being more confident, willing to be aggressive and taking what the defense has given me,” said Burton. “I am not as hesitant as I was last year.”
Point guard Veronica Burton (Photo/Dallas Wings)
The WNBA recently introduced a new set of rules which will take effect immediately: transition take fouls.
The rule states that the call will be made when a player commits a foul while another team is in transition and does not make a legitimate play on the ball.
Burton thinks it will be an adjustment because in that type of situation a player would want to take the 2-points.
“We have to learn to make that adjustment and be smart,” said Burton.“We need to not give up the free throw or possession because it is a big shift and something we don’t want to give up.”
But she is excited to see the new rule be put in action because of the ability to get early transitions out.
“You have the advantage in that whether it’s the free throw or the wide open layup,” said Burton.
Saturday, May 20th is the start of the 2023 WNBA season which is going to be a heart touching moment for Head Coach Latricia Trammell.
Coach Trammell will take the court for the first time as a head coach in the WNBA.
Head Coach Latricia Trammell and Tieaira McCowan (Photo/Dallas Wings)
“On May 20th when I see them warming up and I’m sitting on the sidelines, seeing my family in the stands it will be really special for me.
For Satou Sabally she is looking forward to some family competition. Sabally will face her sister Nyara Sabally who was drafted to the New York Liberty.
Sabally says even though she wins the one-on-one matchups, she is proud and happy to take the court with her this season.
“We are both from Germany and the fact that we both made it to the best league in the world,” said Sabally. “It speaks volume to the type of values we bring to the game. I’m touched and excited.”
The Wings will take on the Chicago Sky in their preseason opener at College Park Center. Tip off is at 7 P.M.
