The Dallas Wings are keeping one of their best recent surprises around a little longer. On Friday, the team announced that forward Amy Okonkwo has signed a rest-of-season contract, officially securing her spot after joining just two weeks ago on a hardship deal.
Okonkwo wasted no time proving she belongs. In six games, she’s averaging 9.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 1.2 steals, highlighted by a string of double-digit scoring nights against Golden State, Connecticut, and Atlanta. She most recently chipped in two points and two boards in 11 minutes during Thursday’s matchup with the Golden State Valkyries.
Making the Most of Her Shot
From her debut on August 22—when she dropped 8 points against Seattle—Okonkwo has looked fearless. She credits the Wings’ coaching staff for making her role clear.
“Be myself and shoot when I’m open, try to help find my teammates, play hard defense, and give a lot of energy,” Okonkwo told DallasHoopsJournal.com. “Yeah, they told me to be myself and that’s exactly what I’ll do.”
Teammates have noticed the impact too. Veteran Myisha Hines-Allen praised the energy Okonkwo brings, saying:
“She’s been a spark the second she steps on the court. Even in shootarounds she’s vocal and telling us what she sees, and that holds weight because of the respect she has.”
A Homecoming Story
This signing is also special because it’s a full-circle return for Okonkwo. She starred at TCU, and even interned with the Wings’ basketball operations department in 2018 before launching her professional career overseas.
“It’s amazing being able to play here in Dallas,” she said after her debut. “Going to TCU, working for the Wings in 2018 as an intern, and then coming back to play on this court—it’s an amazing feeling. I’m really grateful for the opportunity.”
Since leaving TCU, Okonkwo has played in Spain, Israel, Mexico, and France, and also shined on the international stage for Nigeria’s national team, winning multiple AfroBasket MVPs and playing in the Olympics. That global experience, she says, sharpened her defense and versatility.
Quick Respect From Teammates
It hasn’t taken long for her new teammates to rally behind her.
- Haley Jones called her “a bucket.”
- Paige Bueckers praised how seamlessly she’s fit in:“She’s just really smart. She’s a high-IQ player. She came in and fit right into the system. She’s aggressive and fearless.”
Okonkwo, for her part, is all about effort.
Looking Ahead
Now that her deal is official, Okonkwo insists nothing changes about her approach:
“I know when I step on the floor, I have to give my all. We still have games to play, and we have to fight every possession. I just try to give my energy to my teammates, encourage them, and keep going even if we miss shots.”
For the Wings, this move shows just how quickly Okonkwo has gone from injury replacement to key rotation piece. For Okonkwo, it’s proof that hard work—and a little preparation—can turn an opportunity into something bigger.
