As the end of 2020 draws near, WNBA.com is wrapping up this historic season by reviewing each team’s season. Take a look back at notable contributors and season highlights with the 2020 Season In Review. Next up is the Dallas Wings.

Overview:

Leading up to the 2020 season, the Dallas Wings revamped their roster by acquiring second-year guards Marina Mabrey (traded from Los Angeles Sparks) and Katie Lou Samuelson (traded from Chicago Sky). The team also added Astou Ndor (traded from Chicago Sky) to the lineup in 2020. The Wings topped off their squad with three rookies, including Satou Sabally. Unlike other teams in the W, Dallas was not equipped with one true veteran to produce on the floor.  Second-year player Arike Ogunbowale traditionally carried most of the workload. Consequently, the Wings finished 2020 with an 8-14 record, marking another losing season. After missing the playoffs, Dallas and former head coach Brian Agler agreed to mutually part ways. Although the young squad experienced some growing pains, there were positives the Wings can take away from this season.

Players such as Marina Mabrey saw a significant jump in playing time. The WNBA leading scorer, Arike Ogunbowale, (averaged 22.8 PPG) proved that she can take over a game, especially in the clutch, and newcomer Satou Sabally played a huge role on both the offensive and defensive ends of the floor.

Top Contributors:

Arike Ogunbowale

In Year 2, the Notre Dame product revealed that her rookie campaign was not a fluke. The WNBA leading scorer set the bar high, averaging 22.8 PPG on 41.2% shooting. In an overtime victory against the Washington Mystics, Ogunbowale scored a career-high 39 points by shooting an electrifying 50% from the field and going 4-6 from downtown. On September 11, Ogunbowale came one point shy of tying her career-high. After scoring in double figures in all 22 games this season, the second-year pro was the only sophomore to grace the All-WNBA First Team.

The 2020 All-WNBA First Team!@Sloot22 @Candace_Parker (Unanimous) @breannastewart @_ajawilson22 (Unanimous) @Arike_O pic.twitter.com/jGXZC655Nm

— WNBA (@WNBA) October 4, 2020

Satou Sabally

Satou Sabally was picked No. 2 overall by Dallas in the 2020 WNBA Draft, and her dominant play for the Wings illustrated why. Throughout the season, Sabally battled with a number of injuries, causing her to see action in a total of 16 games. Nevertheless, when the rook was available she averaged 13.9 PPG while corralling in a team-best 7.8 RPG. The 6-4 forward joined Tamika Catchings, Candace Parker and Breanna Stewart as the only rookies in WNBA history to average at least 13.8 points, 7.8 rebounds and 2.5 assists.

Marina Mabrey

After occasionally seeing the floor with the vet-heavy Los Angeles Sparks roster a season ago, Mabrey came to Dallas and fit right in. Her role as a playmaking guard was elevated, and of course, she was reunited with her former college backcourt mate Ogunbowale. The 5-11 guard shot an impressive 41.8% from long range this season. As a sophomore, Mabrey started in 12 games and averaged a career-high 10.6 PPG while playing 22.4 MPG. In the Wings final contest of the season, the sharp shooter eclipsed a career-high in both three-pointers made (6-11 3FGM) and total points (finished with 24 points). 

Season Highlights:

Ogunbowale Earns WNBA Peak Performer Award

At the end of the regular season, Arike Ogunbowale led the league in scoring at 22.8 PPG. This accomplishment earned the prolific scorer the 2020 WNBA Peak Performer Award. In honor of Ogunbowale’s achievement, the second-year pro was crafted a trophy by Tiffany & Co.

Sabally Named To All-Rookie Team

Satou Sabally received the maximum amount of votes (11) from a panel of the WNBA’s 12 coaches, and rightfully so. The first-year pro posted a total of 5 double-doubles, and at 13.9 PPG, the rook ranked third in scoring for her class and first in rebounding.

Join us in congratulating these 5️⃣ on earning #WNBA All-Rookie Team honors! ?@ChennedyCarter @crystald2_ @satou_sabally @JulieAllemand @Jazmine_Jones4 pic.twitter.com/QOvb4GXKOR

— WNBA (@WNBA) September 27, 2020

Dallas Wings, Brian Agler Mutually Agree To Part Ways

It is still up in the air as to who will be the next head coach for the Dallas Wings. In a press release, Wings CEO Greg Bibb stated, “As we look to the future, we believe our team is talented and well-positioned for success.” Whoever gets appointed to lead this team next will take on the role of continuing to acquire the right pieces to help build around Arike Ogunbowale and vie for a championship.