Less than 48 hours after the statement win, the USC women’s basketball program lost a member of its coaching staff, but for the best possible reason. On Monday, USC assistant Chris Koclanes was officially named head coach of the WNBA’s Dallas Wings. He takes over a team that had the second-worst record in the league last season at 9-31.
Koclanes is in his second season on Lindsay Gottlieb’s USC staff. Previously, she served as a WNBA assistant coach with the Connecticut Sun and Los Angeles Sparks.
“We are thrilled to have Chris as the new head coach of the Dallas Wings.” Gottlieb said in a statement:. “Chris has a unique ability to look at a game, analyze it, and then convey that knowledge to players in a clear and relatable way. He is a true teacher with the ability to connect with people.
“Chris came to us. [WNBA] And it immediately brought something new and important to our staff and players. He has been a big part of our growth trajectory at USC, and we are proud and excited to see him now leading the Wings.”
Koclanes will be tasked with a major rebuild, but he has one thing left to do. Dallas was ranked first in the recent WNBA Draft Lottery. UConn star Paige Bueckers is widely expected to be a top selection in next spring’s draft.
This article originally appeared on Trojans Wire. USC women’s basketball assistant coach leaves for WNBA
