DHJ Quick Take: Press Conference Highlights
- The Aggression Directive: Head coach Jose Fernandez made headlines on Day 1 by instructing No. 1 pick Azzi Fudd to prioritize hunting her shot, noting that her aggression is what “opens things up for everyone else.”
- Year 2 Mentality: Paige Bueckers returned to Arlington with a refined focus on leadership and physical growth, detailing an offseason that included USA Basketball and Unrivaled training.
- The Frontcourt Hub: New signing Alanna Smith discussed her “higher-usage” offensive outlook, signaling that the Wings‘ new-look frontcourt will be a primary focus of Fernandez‘s system installation.
- UConn Continuity: Both Bueckers and Fudd addressed the seamless nature of their on-court chemistry, which served as a foundational anchor for the 17 players present for the opening session.
ARLINGTON, Texas — The Dallas Wings opened training camp Sunday in Arlington, where first-year head coach Jose Fernandez ran 17 players through the first of 15 scheduled practices ahead of the May 9 regular season opener at the Indiana Fever.
No. 1 overall pick Azzi Fudd took the floor alongside second-year guard Paige Bueckers and newly signed forward Alanna Smith as Fernandez worked through transition concepts, quick hitters, and four-on-four sets.
Full video of each post-practice media availability is embedded below.
Jose Fernandez
Fernandez opened his first training camp as Dallas head coach with a clear emphasis on communication, pace, and the standards he wants established across a roster that mixes veterans, draft picks, and overseas returnees. He said Sunday marked the largest training camp group he has ever coached at 17 players, with Arike Ogunbowale, Jessica Shepard, Awak Kuier, Costanza Verona, and Dulcy Fankam Mendjiadeu among those set to arrive after Day 1 due to overseas commitments.
Fernandez also addressed his plans for Smith’s expanded offensive role and previewed what he wants from Bueckers in Year 2.
“Great players want to be told the truth,” Fernandez said of coaching Bueckers. “My job is to put her in the best situations possible, for her to be successful in the open floor, in the half court with the ball, and playing off the ball.”
Paige Bueckers
Bueckers detailed a summer that included Unrivaled, USA Basketball training camp with the national team, and a surprise trip to Croatia to visit a close friend and former UConn teammate, Nika Mühl. She also spoke about her growth as a vocal leader, her chemistry with Fudd dating back to their high school years, and on-court goals that include more threes, more paint touches, and more trips to the free-throw line.
Bueckers emphasized that her priorities in Year 2 center on leadership and on how she can elevate those around her.
“My number one goal is to be the best teammate I can be, make everyone around me better, and contribute to winning basketball for the Dallas Wings,” Bueckers said. “We all have that mentality of sacrificing and doing whatever the team needs.”
Alanna Smith
Smith, signed this offseason after earning WNBA Co-Defensive Player of the Year honors with Minnesota, discussed what drew her to Dallas, her excitement about stepping into a higher-usage offensive role, and continuing to play with Jessica Shepard. She also weighed in on the new collective bargaining agreement and its long-term impact on the next generation of WNBA players.
Smith said the Wings’ young core and the retention of key returners stood out to her in free agency.
“I liked the young core,” Smith said. “I think they’ve got a lot of talent. And then also bringing back players like Arike and Maddy as well. I think we’ve got a bright future ahead.”
Azzi Fudd
Fudd, the No. 1 overall selection in Monday’s WNBA Draft, spoke after her first professional practice about a mindset centered on aggression and doing whatever the team asks. She addressed Fernandez’s pointed message about not passing up open shots, the adjustment from college to the pro game, and reuniting with Bueckers after they played together at UConn.
Fudd said reframing aggression as a team-first approach has helped her stay in attack mode.
“If I’m passing up open shots, the defense can play off me,” Fudd said. “But if I’m a threat, they have to guard me and respect me, and it opens things up for other people. So when I look at it that way, instead of thinking I’m just taking a bunch of shots, it helps me keep that team mindset.”
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- ‘We’ve Known For A Little While’: Greg Bibb On Why Azzi Fudd Was The Only Choice For Dallas
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