DHJ Quick Take: Court-Level Observations
- The Guard Game: The competitive shooting drills showcased the immediate chemistry of the UConn reunion. Azzi Fudd‘s quick release and Paige Bueckers‘ playmaking in transition were central themes of the perimeter-focused blocks.
- Positionless Post Play: Jose Fernandez’s emphasis on “slip, short roll, and space” confirms the move away from traditional back-to-the-basket sets. Alanna Smith and the young frontcourt are being asked to process reads like guards, prioritizing floor spacing to clear lanes for Arike Ogunbowale and the wings.
- The Missing Pieces: While 17 players were active, the Wings are still awaiting the arrival of Arike Ogunbowale, Jessica Shepard, Awak Kuier, Costanza Verona, and Dulcy Fankam Mendjiadeu due to overseas commitments.
- Intensity Standards: Fernandez closed the media portion with high-pressure free throws, establishing the “effort-first” identity he promised when he took the job.
ARLINGTON, Texas — The Dallas Wings opened training camp Sunday in Arlington, with first-year head coach Jose Fernandez running 17 players through position-specific skill work before transitioning to team concepts. The media-accessible portion of the session included a competitive guard shooting game, frontcourt post work, and team free-throw work.
Guard Shooting Competition
The backcourt group worked through catch-and-shoot jumpers and spray-out passing before closing the perimeter block with a competitive team shooting game.
Frontcourt Post Work
The frontcourt group ran through low-post positioning and finishing on the roll, with Fernandez emphasizing the pick-and-roll reads — slip, short roll, and space — he wants his bigs to recognize as camp progresses.
Team Free Throws
Dallas closed the media-accessible portion of practice with team free-throw work.
Dallas returns to the practice floor Monday, with five-on-five work on the docket. The Wings open the 2026 season on the road against the Indiana Fever on Saturday, May 9, at 12 p.m. CT, before playing their home debut at College Park Center in Arlington on Tuesday, May 12, at 7 p.m. CT against the Atlanta Dream.
More Wings Coverage on Dallas Hoops Journal
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- ‘She Better Shoot The Damn Ball’: Jose Fernandez Challenges Azzi Fudd On Day 1 Of Training Camp
- ‘Some Super Big Moves’: Aliyah Boston Praises Dallas Wings’ Free Agency, Azzi Fudd Draft Pick
- Dallas Wings Announce 2026 Training Camp Roster: 22 Players Set, Five Late Arrivals
- ‘Landed Where I Was Meant to Be’: Azzi Fudd Introduced By Dallas Wings, Embraces New Journey
- Exclusive: Curt Miller On The ‘New-Look’ Dallas Wings, Frontcourt Chemistry, And Azzi Fudd’s Elite Ceiling
- ‘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
