Despite playing minutes in some games, Teaira McCowan manages to make an impact

One of the biggest signings throughout the summer was the three-year center Teaira McCowan, both figuratively and literally. She always draws attention due to her height of 6’7 and may be the factor that propels the Wings forward in the playoffs. McCowan averaged 26.5 minutes per game last year and was third in rebounding with 9.6 per game. This season, thus far? Her average is at a career-low. 5.8 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 11.2 minutes per game are the stats.

Dallas, which started the season 8-9, is still figuring things out. On Wednesday night, they lost to the Atlanta Dream by a score of 80–75. The Wings are attempting to become accustomed to the organization’s second-year head coach Vickie Johnson’s system, she has been playing catch-up. She claimed that the group has been understanding while she adjusts and that they are focusing on developing trust.

On June 17, during their home game against the Phoenix Mercury, McCowan played a season-high 25 minutes while scoring 18 points and pulling down 10 rebounds. Dallas’ four-game losing streak was broken thanks to her. She was able to demonstrate her abilities for the Wings during the game; now she only needs another chance. McCowan has been referred to by Coach Johnson as a walking double-double.

Here is what coach Vickie Johnson said:

“She is still trying to learn our system and what we’re trying to do defensively and offensively. I think she has been playing well for us,” Johnson said. “Like I tell them to play your minutes and play your minutes hard and put winning over everything else.”
The team’s 2nd highest scorer Allisha Gray said McCowan is doing all the extra work that others barely notice or see.
“She in before practice, putting in extra work before games, after games putting in extra work. Honestly, she’s been great for us, she is a big presence and the post and she’s just been amazing.”
Even though her playing time has been sporadic, McCowan has always been ready to contribute when her name has been called because of the preparation she did in advance of practice.
“Working out with our strength and conditioning coach. I think that we do a lot to help me stay prepared for the game, so kudos to Preston [Smith],” McCowan said.
McCowan has occasionally been unable to play, but she has not let it affect her. Being on the sidelines allows her to view the game from a different angle.
“I just watch the game and see how we can take advantage of teams and their defensive scheme. So I think that just being over there and watching the game, I come in and do what I do and I think it is paying off in a great way,” McCowan said.
Dallas must continue to play competitively and win in its remaining five games before the All-Star break. McCowan will play a significant role in that since she can make an offensive and defensive contribution. Coach Johnson stated that winning must be the team’s only goal.
“Let’s just win the basketball game. Let’s not worry about who starts or who finishes whatever; let’s just win the basketball game,” Johnson said.
She was an important signing for Dallas and has the ability to lead and contribute significantly to this club. It will simply take some time. Arike Ogunbowale, the Wings’ leading scorer, claimed McCowan is fantastic after she achieved her first double-double in that Phoenix game.
“She’s amazing. I’ve seen her play a lot. I’ve played against her in college, WNBA and she’s a big body and demands a lot of attention,” Ogunbowale said. “When we can get her going and playing like that, it’s going to be hard to stop us.”