Why the Dallas Wings were surprised to draft NC State guard Aziaha James

Dallas Wings General Manager Curt Miller grew frustrated during the grueling pre-draft process that spanned the duration of the women’s college basketball season. It wasn’t the fact that talent was an issue, it certainly wasn’t in a deep class, instead it came to the belief that he wouldn’t be able to select NC State guard Aziaha James. 

Throughout the months leading up to the April 14 event in New York City, Miller and his fellow decision makers created mock drafts to see what talent pool they thought would be available for their second first-round pick at No. 12. And each time they did it, James was long gone to another team. 

“This isn’t going to happen,” Miller recalled thinking. “She’s such a tremendous bucket-getter. Instant offense, can score at all three levels. And we wanted so desperately wanted to add it to our roster.”

But each time, it seemed more and more unlikely. At least until mock drafts from national outlets had James starting to slip in the first round. It gave Miller some hope that she might be available for the Wings to pair with No. 1 overall pick Paige Bueckers, but he wasn’t entirely sure. 

Miller called James’ agent to see if he believed she would be available at No. 12. 

“Absolutely not,” was the response on the other end of the call. 

That left Miller discouraged. But fast forward to the draft, it started to shape up in Dallas’ favor. There were three international players selected in the first 10 picks, leaving James on the board. And the Wings were able to pounce on the Wolfpack’s electric scorer. 

“The draft gods looked down upon us well, and on draft night as the draft was playing out, everything came together the way we had hoped,” Miller said, “and Aziaha James was there at 12.”

James was the selection, a surprise to the Wings front office that was giddy to make it happen. She was officially introduced as a Wings draft pick on Wednesday afternoon, alongside Bueckers, one of the most-decorated college players of all time. They’ll create a duo that Dallas hopes to infuse into its rebuild with first-year coach Chris Koclanes, who called both “hoopers.”

Now, James is set to transition to the professional ranks. She paced NC State in scoring with 17.9 points on 44.5 percent shooting, including her silky-smooth step-back jumper, this past season. And despite being a slightly undersized shooting guard in the WNBA at 5-feet-10, James is confident she will thrive.

In James’ opinion, her key to success in the WNBA isn’t a matter of her skill set. Instead, it’s her tenacious drive on the court.

“I feel like my heart — just being that dog,” James said. “Being a sponge and learning from the vets. This whole team is full of dogs. I’m ready to be a part of it and continue the legacy that the Dallas Wings have.”

The Virginia Beach, Va., native was the 18th all-time WNBA draft pick in NC State’s history and will be the sixth to ever hear their name called in the opening round. Saniya Rivers was also taken in the first round this year, selected eighth overall by the Connecticut Sun. 

As James navigates the WNBA with training camp opening this weekend, her chemistry with Bueckers will be imperative. The two battled twice during their collegiate careers, splitting the all-time meetings, including NC State’s 92-81 win over then-No. 2 UConn on Nov. 12, 2023 at Reynolds Coliseum. 

The pair is very familiar with each other, and Bueckers seemed excited to have an opportunity to play alongside James. 

“She’s electric and can score at all three levels,” Bueckers said with a grin just inches to James’ right. “[She’s] obviously a bucket-getter, so I’m looking to assist her a lot, space the floor, get her open looks and play off each other.”

For James, who waited her turn to have a key role at NC State, she’s willing to do whatever is needed to win. It doesn’t matter how many minutes a night James receives, she’s ready to kick off the next step of her basketball career.

And that’s all she could ask for.

“I feel like I can just find my space, be myself, see what we’re missing, and I feel like I can fill that void,” James said on draft night. “I’m ready to be that rookie that brings a clapping hand in practice and on the bench. I’m ready for my number to be called. I’m ready to just be there and just feel the experience and just be ready.”