DHJ Quick Take
- Diverse Pedigree: The Dallas Wings have finalized a bench that blends NBA development expertise, WNBA championship experience, and high-level collegiate success.
- The Return of Camille Smith: A 13-year veteran and 2010 champion, Camille Smith returns to the organization to provide a “championship bridge” for the roster.
- Fernandez’s Inner Circle: The staff features several long-time collaborators from South Florida, ensuring the head coach’s scouting and video expectations are met from day one.
ARLINGTON, Texas — The Dallas Wings have completed their coaching and bench staff under first-year head coach Jose Fernandez, the team announced Friday, assembling a group that draws from multiple levels of the professional and collegiate game.
Fernandez named Camille Smith, David Adkins, Mike Neighbors, and Empress Davenport as assistant coaches. LaMont Russell was hired as Director of Player Development, Justin Keller as Assistant Player Development Coach and Strategist, and Anthony Brammer as Video Coordinator.
“Putting a staff together is every bit as important as building a roster, and this group brings exactly what I was looking for,” Fernandez said.
Camille Smith Returns to Dallas Wings
Smith returns to the Wings organization for the second time, having previously served as a player development coach in 2020 before rejoining the staff as an assistant during the 2025 season. The 13-year WNBA veteran, who retired from playing in 2019, was one of just three players in league history — alongside Diana Taurasi and Candace Parker — to record 1,500 career rebounds and at least 150 made three-pointers.
“Her passion for the Wings, her championship experience, and her understanding of what it takes to succeed in this league made it clear we were aligned,” Fernandez said of Smith. “I believe she has an exceptionally bright future in coaching in this league.”
David Adkins Brings NBA Development Background
David Adkins comes to Dallas after two seasons as associate coach of the University of Washington women’s basketball program, where he helped the Huskies post their first 20-win season since 2016-17.
Before moving to the college ranks, Adkins served as Director of Player Development for the Denver Nuggets and their G League affiliate, the Grand Rapids Gold. He also held previous NBA front office roles with the Portland Trail Blazers, Washington Wizards, and Los Angeles Clippers.
“Having known David for years, I know firsthand the impact he makes through his connection with players and his player development expertise,” Fernandez said. “Bringing in someone with his NBA experience in development, preparation, and scouting was incredibly important to me, and I can’t wait for him to start working with our group.”
Mike Neighbors Adds Collegiate Pedigree, WNBA Familiarity
Mike Neighbors spent the 2025 season on the Los Angeles Sparks staff following a 12-year run as a Division I head coach at Washington and the University of Arkansas. He guided Washington to three NCAA Tournament appearances, including the program’s only Final Four in 2016.
Fernandez credited Neighbors’ analytics expertise and knowledge of WNBA logistics as key factors in the hire, noting that his head coaching experience will “elevate our entire staff.”
“With his head coaching experience at Washington and Arkansas and his familiarity with the WNBA, Mike brings a wealth of knowledge that will elevate our entire staff,” Fernandez said. “I’ve known him a long time, and his passion, analytics expertise, and understanding of the league’s logistics will be extremely valuable to what we’re building.”
Empress Davenport, a Texas Native
Empress Davenport, a Duncanville native, joins Dallas after two seasons at Ole Miss, where she helped the Lady Rebels reach the NCAA Tournament in back-to-back years, including a Sweet Sixteen appearance in 2025.
Davenport played at the University of Texas from 2012-2016 and previously served as an assistant and recruiting coordinator at UTSA.
“Empress’s background in the college ranks, along with her experience under Karen Aston and Yolette McPhee-McCuin, speaks volumes about her preparation and player development abilities,” Fernandez said. “Her character, communication skills, and enthusiasm align perfectly with what we’re building here, and I know she’ll be a tremendous asset to our players.”
LaMont Russell, Justin Keller and Anthony Brammer Round Out Staff
LaMont Russell spent the past decade at the University of Louisville as an assistant coach and Director of Basketball Video & Graphic Design. He also served as Video Coordinator for USA Basketball’s Junior National Team from 2023-2025, contributing to gold medal performances at the FIBA U19 Women’s World Cup.
“I first met LaMont through USA Basketball, where he did an incredible job, and his work at Louisville as an assistant has only reinforced the caliber of coach he is,” Fernandez said. “I’m excited for him to work with all our player positions, and I know he’ll integrate seamlessly with our staff in planning and developing our overall program.”
Justin Keller is a longtime Fernandez collaborator, having worked alongside the Wings head coach at the University of South Florida since 2018. Fernandez noted that Keller “already knows my expectations” regarding scouting and preparation.
“I’ve worked with Justin for a long time and watched him excel in every role at South Florida, from player development to video to coaching,” Fernandez said. “Having someone who already knows my expectations and can elevate our preparation and scouting processes will be a huge asset for our staff.”
Anthony Brammer similarly spent four seasons with Fernandez at USF as head video coordinator before stints at the University of Evansville and the University of Pittsburgh, where he most recently served as assistant coach and general manager.
“Having worked with Anthony at South Florida, I know he understands my expectations for scouting, individual film, and overall preparation,” Fernandez said. “His experience on both sides of the college game and his ability to help align our staff’s communication will be a tremendous asset.”
More Dallas Wings News & WNBA Rumors
- Diana Taurasi Says Azzi Fudd-Paige Bueckers Backcourt Would Give Dallas Wings ‘Championship DNA’
- Diana Taurasi Predicts Dallas Wings Will Draft Azzi Fudd To Team With Paige Bueckers
- ‘She’s A Connector’: Dallas Wings Star Paige Bueckers Was Given Key Team USA Advice By Sue Bird
- ‘We Have A Chip On Our Shoulder’: Dallas Wings Star Paige Bueckers Shares Goals For USA Basketball Senior Debut
- Paige Bueckers Says Jose Fernandez ‘Has A Good Plan’ For The Dallas Wings
- CBS Sports Projects Dallas Wings To Select Spanish Center Awa Fam With No. 1 Pick
