Home Basketball WNBA Arike Ogunbowale Faces Challenges but Shines Bright in Dallas Wings’ 2025 Season Push

Arike Ogunbowale Faces Challenges but Shines Bright in Dallas Wings’ 2025 Season Push

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Arike Ogunbowale Faces Challenges but Shines Bright in Dallas Wings’ 2025 Season Push
Arike Ogunbowale faces challenges in the 2025 season, adapting her game and adjusting to new team dynamics.

During the 2025 season, Dallas Wings shooting guard Arike Ogunbowale has encountered a range of difficulties as she works to regain her top form. Now 28 years old and in her seventh WNBA campaign, Ogunbowale is posting a career-low average of 15.6 points per game, reflecting the challenges she is facing this year.

Despite the downturn in numbers, Ogunbowale has drawn recognition for her persistence and adaptability amid these hurdles. Bleacher Report analyst Nekias Duncan acknowledged her efforts, highlighting how she remains an important part of the Wings’ lineup even while adjusting her style of play.

While I’m thinking about guards, just a quick salute to Arike Ogunbowale for battling through what has undoubtedly been a frustrating year for her on multiple fronts and finding herself within this context,

Duncan wrote.

You’ll still get some early shots from her, but for the most part she’s been very willing to both operate off the ball and simply get off the ball when she doesn’t have anything. A quick example: She’s averaging 2.9 dribbles per touch since the All-Star break, slightly down from her pre-break number (3.4) and a massive departure from last season’s mark (4.0). It also helps that she’s cashing in jumpers now, notably knocking down 37.5 percent of her catch-and-shoot threes. You’ll take that if you’re Dallas.

Arike Ogunbowale
Image of: Arike Ogunbowale

Adjusting to New Roles and Team Dynamics

Arike Ogunbowale’s current season challenges partly stem from adapting to new teammates and coaching strategies. The Wings’ recent No. 1 overall draft pick, Paige Bueckers, represents an ideal backcourt partner for Ogunbowale, but integrating their playing styles has proven to be an ongoing process.

New head coach Chris Koclanes has introduced a system that requires adjustments from all players, and Ogunbowale is still finding ways to mesh her strengths with the team’s evolving tactics. While these changes have contributed to some growing pains, the Wings believe her performance will improve as she becomes more comfortable in her role.

Remaining Optimistic as the Season Winds Down

With 13 games remaining in the 2025 season, Oklahoma City hopes Ogunbowale can regain positive momentum as she and the Wings push toward the offseason. This stretch begins with an afternoon home game against the Washington Mystics, a squad featuring standout players Brittney Sikes and rookie Sonia Citron.

The matchup, scheduled for 3 p.m. CT and broadcast on CBS Sports Network, represents an important opportunity for Ogunbowale to rebound in front of the home crowd. The Wings are seeking to leverage these final games to build cohesion within their lineup and gain confidence for future campaigns.

Ongoing Developments within the Dallas Wings Organization

The Wings continue to make headlines beyond Ogunbowale’s individual journey. Paige Bueckers has earned significant praise from fellow players as a potential future face of the WNBA, while recent injury updates and a controversial trade involving the Minnesota Lynx have kept fans engaged. Additionally, ongoing discussions surrounding the WNBA collective bargaining agreement indicate a complex off-court landscape for the team and league alike.

Coverage of these stories and more can be followed closely through WingsGameday, offering fans detailed updates throughout the season.

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