DHJ Quick Take: The Elite Perimeter Vision
- The “A” Standard: ESPN‘s high mark validates the “Information Gain” strategy Curt Miller employed this offseason. By solving the frontcourt depth in free agency with Alanna Smith and Jessica Shepard, the Wings were able to use the No. 1 pick to draft for the highest possible ceiling: a 97th-percentile shooter in Azzi Fudd.
- The Spacing Revolution: Jose Fernandez’s offense now features the ultimate “we-over-me” threat. Fudd’s 45.5% clip from deep isn’t just a stat; it’s a tactical tool that prevents defenses from collapsing on Arike Ogunbowale and Paige Bueckers.
- Untapped Potential: Fudd’s admission that there is “so much left on the table” regarding her partnership with Bueckers is the story of the season. After years of injury-shortened stretches at UConn, Arlington will finally see the duo at 100% capacity.
- Length in the Second Round: While Zee Spearman was a third-round selection at No. 31, the Tennessee forward fits the organizational mandate to get “longer and more athletic.” Her shot-blocking and international 3×3 experience make her a high-upside project for the Wings‘ development staff.
- A New Era of Expectations: This draft grade signals that the rebuild is officially over. With a “A” rated roster, the Wings are no longer just looking to improve—they are looking to win.
ARLINGTON, Texas — The Dallas Wings earned an “A” grade from ESPN following Monday’s 2026 WNBA Draft, with the outlet crediting the selection of UConn guard Azzi Fudd with the No. 1 overall pick as the driving force behind the favorable evaluation.
ESPN’s draft graders praised the Wings’ offseason roster construction as context for the pick, noting that Dallas’ free agency moves made the selection of Fudd a clear strategic fit. The outlet wrote that Fudd figures to serve as a strong complement to Arike Ogunbowale and Paige Bueckers in what projects to be one of the most talented backcourts in the league.
The grade ultimately rested on Fudd alone. Per ESPN, her 3-point shooting gives the Wings a credible path back to the playoffs.
Why Azzi Fudd Made Sense for the Dallas Wings
The Wings’ front office arrived at the pick methodically. General manager Curt Miller credited the team’s free agency success as the final piece that made the selection undeniable.
“We had an outstanding free agency in the post,” Miller said at Monday’s post-draft press conference. “I will tell you that Azzi was our pick, but the success we had in free agency made it crystal clear that we had put together a group I’m excited for Jose and his staff to coach.”
Dallas signed Alanna Smith to a three-year max deal, added Jessica Shepard, retained Li Yueru, brought back Awak Kuier, and re-signed Ogunbowale before the draft began. With frontcourt depth addressed, head coach Jose Fernandez outlined precisely how Fudd fits alongside the team’s existing stars.
“When we went through this process and built this roster, we needed to address three-point shooting and floor spacing,” Fernandez said. “Now having Paige, Arike, and Azzi on the floor together, along with what we addressed in free agency with our front line, there are different lineups we can play.”
Miller echoed the fit.
“Azzi is the right fit with this group. Paige and Arike have the ball, and Azzi fits because she’s so good off the ball. That’s a great combination,” he said. “She’s unselfish and does all the little things.”
Fudd embraced that role without hesitation.
“They’ve been able to see my time at UConn, how I’m a team mentality, we-over-me kind of player. I’m going to do what the team needs and not anything less,” Fudd said Monday. “I know how to play with great players, so I know how to space the floor, I know how to move without the ball.”
ESPN noted the collective result is a team that should be stronger defensively and difficult to guard given the volume of high-skilled perimeter threats on the roster.
Azzi Fudd’s Case as the No. 1 Pick
Fudd arrives with one of the most decorated statistical profiles of any prospect in recent WNBA Draft history. In her final season at UConn, she started all 39 games and averaged a career-high 17.7 points per game while shooting 48.9% from the floor, 45.5% on 3-pointers, and 95.5% on free throws. She led all of Division I with 117 3-pointers made and ranked fifth nationally in 3-point percentage.
She set single-season career highs in points (673), rebounds (100), assists (117), blocks (18), and steals (97). She finishes her UConn career as the program’s all-time leader in free-throw percentage (92.5%), fifth in career 3-pointers made (292), and seventh in career 3-point shooting percentage (42.2%).
Fernandez made the evaluation in person. After being hired, his first trip was a multi-day visit to Storrs to sit down with UConn head coach Geno Auriemma.
“I saw her play in the Big East and in the NCAA tournament. We never wavered — she was the right fit for this team and the locker room,” Fernandez said. “She brings spacing, a quick release, three-point shooting, and comes from a program that knows how to win. That’s what we want in Dallas.”
Miller also cited Fudd’s year-over-year growth and intangibles as decisive in a tight draft class.
“Her offensive shooting ability stands out — her lightning-quick release and movement. Her compete level on the defensive end this year was truly special. Watching her growth from last year to this year was impressive,” Miller said. “The intangibles were ultimately the deciding factor — she’s a unifier in the locker room, a great teammate, and has all the characteristics we’re trying to accumulate.”
Azzi Fudd on Paige Bueckers Reunion and Dallas’ Backcourt
One of the most anticipated partnerships in the WNBA enters a new chapter in Arlington. Fudd and Bueckers were teammates at UConn, but rarely healthy at the same time.
“Our time at UConn felt like it was just full of injury — either I was playing and she wasn’t, or she was playing and I wasn’t,” Fudd said. “It wasn’t until last year that we really got a chance to actually play together. And even then it wasn’t a full season.”
That dynamic makes the Dallas pairing all the more compelling for Fudd.
“I feel like there’s still so much left on the table and so much unknown and just so much potential — with not just her, but the entire Dallas Wings roster,” she said. “Paige is an incredible player. She is someone that makes playing basketball easy. The prior experience, knowing how to play with her and play off of her, will only help going into this.”
She was equally eager about playing alongside Ogunbowale.
“Getting to watch Arike for so long and then getting to play with her — I can’t wait to finally get there,” Fudd said.
Dallas Wings Also Select Zee Spearman at No. 31
In the third round, the Wings selected Tennessee forward Zee Spearman with the No. 31 overall pick. ESPN acknowledged Spearman’s size and shot-blocking ability but noted that she did not finish shots during her senior season as she had in earlier years of her college career.
Spearman, a 6-foot-4 forward, averaged 10.2 points and 5.8 rebounds over 30 games in her senior campaign, scoring in double digits 16 times while leading the Lady Vols in offensive rebounds (2.9) and blocks (1.3) per game. She brings international experience, representing the United States as a member of the 2025 USA Basketball Women’s 3-on-3 Nations League Team, going 14-2 en route to the Americas Conference title.
Miller connected the pick to a broader organizational philosophy.
“There was intentionality this offseason to get longer and improve defensively in the post,” Miller said. “Spearman is long and athletic. She played a lot on the perimeter, but we’ll reintroduce her to the paint. Her best days are ahead — she’s just scratching the surface.”
Fernandez was equally direct.
“We really like her athleticism, size, and versatility. She can stretch the floor, she’s long, athletic, can run, block shots, and is active,” he said.
Dallas Wings 2026 WNBA Draft Picks
- No. 1: Azzi Fudd, UConn, SG, 5-11
- No. 31: Zee Spearman, Tennessee, PF, 6-4
The Wings open the regular season at Gainbridge Fieldhouse against the Indiana Fever on May 9 with a 12 p.m. CT tip-off.
More Azzi Fudd & Wings Coverage on Dallas Hoops Journal
- ‘We’ve Known For A Little While’: Greg Bibb On Why Azzi Fudd Was The Only Choice For Dallas
- ‘She Was The Right Fit’: Jose Fernandez And Curt Miller Detail Drafting Azzi Fudd, Dallas Wings’ Free Agency Moves
- ‘Nothing I Could Have Imagined’: Azzi Fudd Reacts To Dallas Wings Selection And Paige Bueckers Reunion
- ‘Ecstatic To Add Her’: Curt Miller Breaks Down Azzi Fudd As No. 1 Pick For Dallas Wings
- Dallas Wings Select Azzi Fudd No. 1 Overall, Reuniting Her With Paige Bueckers
- Rebecca Lobo On Azzi Fudd Going No. 1 To Dallas Wings: ‘She Has WNBA All-Star Potential As A Rookie’
- Evaluating Top Options For Dallas Wings At No. 1 Overall In 2026 WNBA Draft
- Dallas Wings Sign Four To Training Camp Contracts, Including Amy Okonkwo
- ‘Positioned To Be Very Aggressive’: How Dallas Wings Executed Curt Miller’s Vision Laid For Offseason Moves
- ‘Our Top Target’: Dallas Wings Sign Reigning WNBA Co-Defensive Player Of The Year Alanna Smith To Three-Year Max Deal
