With over 30 years of coaching experience, Fred Williams knows what it takes to succeed at a high level on the court. Entering his fifth year with the organization, Williams looks to take the Wings to the playoffs for a second consecutive season.

A 16-18 record in 2017 landed the Wings the No. 7 seed in the playoffs. With new addition, Liz Cambage, Williams believes the team can go even further this season because of what she brings as an inside presence.

“The size in the post is going to enable our guards to help out and do a little bit more gambling on defense,” said Williams. “When you have a good solid base inside presence, it opens up around the perimeter. It allows you to play a lot more aggressive defensively. I thought last year we tried a few things early and too many people were scoring in the paint on us. Liz will be able to alter shots and be able to give us good rebounding as well.”

Williams has been gifted the 6-foot-8 Center, as well as a quality rookie class that includes 6-foot-6 early-entry, Azurá Stevens. The sixth overall pick in the 2018 WNBA left Connecticut after her junior year.

The other two 2018 draft picks join five second-year players from the 2017 class, including the 2017 Rookie of the Year Allisha Gray. Twelve players on the training camp roster have less than three years of WNBA experience, making the Wings one of the youngest teams in the WNBA.

Williams realizes there is a learning curve for these young players, but he expects his players to adjust quicker than other coaches.

“I believe you are a rookie for the first 15 games,” said Williams. “And then after that you become a veteran because you have had a taste of the WNBA. Sometimes you just don’t know what to expect with younger players. To be able to have veteran players now that can lead helps out a great deal. For me, my thing is to get the most out of all 12 players. I want them to become a better person and a better basketball player.”

Williams turns to the veteran leadership of the Wings throughout the season. 2017 First-Team All-WNBA selection Skylar Diggins-Smith and second-year captain Karima Christmas-Kelly provide a strong and solid voice for the Wings.

The duo leads a talented Wings group into training camp. A group that Williams believes is the most talented he’s ever had as a coach.

“I think this is the best talent we have ever had from all five spots,” said Williams. “We have 16 players that can make this team. This is the first time we have ever had that situation. I think the process of the team the past couple of years was to learn the system of what we do, which makes it a lot better heading into this year.”

The system that Williams implements is a fast-paced style that looks to outscore opponents. The Wings were first in the league in scoring in 2017, averaging 86.2 points per game, and they return the top eight scorers from a season ago. With all of the talent on the roster, Williams knows it’s going to be hard to cut down the roster. He has his work cut out for him, as the 16 players have to be cut down to 12 by the beginning of the regular season.

Williams leads the Wings into training camp on April 29, with the season tipping off in Phoenix on May 18. The home opener is scheduled for May 20 against the Atlanta Dream.