Awak Kuier plays second through basketball in the WNBA League. Last season, the responsibility did not accumulate as desired, but the head coach Vickie Johnson promises more responsibility and considers the Finn an important piece even in the pursuit of the championship.
Riikka Smolander-Slotte,
Hinni Hirvonen
– He could be a really important piece in the championship battle, WNBA club Dallas Wings head coach Vickie Johnson praise his protector Awak Kuieria.
Celebrating its 21st birthday in August, Kuier has begun his second season in the U.S. WNBA League. The playing time in the nine matches has accumulated an average of 9.1 minutes, which is only slightly more than last season (8.9 minutes).
The role of Kuier, who was second in the entire WNBA booking session, was smaller than expected in the first U.S. season, but there is more promise for that season, at least according to the head coach.
– Awak is a great young player. As a young man, he entered the best league in the world and the expectations were unfair. The difference with this season is that he is more experienced. We expect a lot of great performances from him that will help our team win the championship. We need him, he has a big role to play in both the offensive and defensive heads.
The words of praise will not end when Johnson gains momentum in praising the first Finn in history in the WNBA.
– What he’s doing is something completely exceptional. He can defend, he can protect the basket and throw threes in. He puts the team first and brings positive energy to our team. I think he can become an allstar player and break records.
The teammate agrees Isabelle Harrison.
– I think Awak needed a season here. This season, his mindset is quite different, he is more experienced. He is really qualified. He is able to play three points behind the arc and under the basket. He can donk, but he can also defend. He is a strong passing player. He has a very special talent, Harrison lists.
However, the biggest praise goes to the nature of a teammate.
– He also has a big heart. It’s great to see a player who has so many good skills and who is still just as awesome as a person.
Harrison, 28, already played with Kuier in Ragusa, Italy in the 2020-21 season. Despite the age difference of almost ten years, the duo thrive together and live close together. From Harrison’s social media account, one can often see shared images with Kuier and vice versa.
– When I first met Kuier, he was really shy. But it didn’t take long. As soon as we met, we had a special connection. I have taken care of him as a family member. She’s a great guy, like my little sister. She loves to chill, just like me.
“More self-confidence”
According to Kuier, the season in Dallas has started in a good mood. Wings has won five of the nine matches and is seventh in the league table.
Kuier himself assures that playing in the WNBA will be easier this season.
– I have more self-confidence compared to last year. The game hardness has improved and there is more experience, Kuier says.
Although the head coach and the team expect a lot from a 20-year-old Finn, Kuier does not stress unnecessarily.
– Expectations help to cope and motivate. I want to be able to help my team win. I want my track to be visible in the league and the difference to last season to be visible. I would like more points and rebounds.
Getting minutes of playing requires hard training and constant concentration, according to Kuier. However, constant travel and gaming at Dallas Wings eats up time from practice.
– It’s pretty strenuous to fly. In Italy the trips were quite short, here a few hours go. It’s pretty hard and really tired, but both can handle it when they like to be here and play.
There is not too much time left for a holiday in Kuier, as the season in Italy did not end until the end of April. Ragusa’s race finally ended in the semi-finals when it lost in the second semi-final to Famila Wuber Schio 54-60.
– The early season was a bit difficult when we had so many injuries. In comparison, we think we have come a long way. My own role was much bigger than the year before. I’m just proud of how I played.
Also based on the statistics, Kuier’s development was wild. Among other things, the 195-cent Kuier blocked an average of 2.2 throws per match and won the regular season defeat statistics.
Championship goal
Last season, Kuier and Dallas ’season ended in disappointment as Wings dropped as early as the first round of the playoffs. Chicago Sky was better at 64-81 and pushed into the semifinals.
Although the season ended relatively early last year, this year the team has a clear goal.
– We want to succeed and win the championship, head coach Johnson announces.
– We really have a lot of talent. We are young, so we need to focus and be involved. We also have older, more experienced players. We have to play to the fullest and be ready, Kuier sighs.