DHJ Quick Take: The Week 1 Finale
- The Smith Catalyst: Alanna Smith‘s return immediately validated Jose Fernandez‘s offensive vision. Her ability to secure a rebound and initiate the break herself (“grab-and-go”) creates a pace that keeps opposing defenses from setting their half-court shells. This versatility is the engine for the “never a stagnant moment” system.
- James’ Defensive Mandate: Aziaha James has clearly defined her year-two role around point-of-attack defense. Her offseason focus on strength and the “unseen hours” she observed at Unrivaled have translated into a more physical perimeter presence, which is essential for a team that struggled with containing the ball in 2025.
- The Roster Puzzle: With the final roster spots still being evaluated, Zee Spearman continues to showcase a “next-play mentality.” Her willingness to absorb the league’s physicality and learn from veterans has only helped to navigate the “W” learning curve.
- Shot Selection and Efficiency: Fernandez noted that the team’s shot selection went from “good to great” on Saturday. It was a priority that he mentioned he wanted to see after Friday’s practice.
ARLINGTON, Texas — The Dallas Wings wrapped their sixth practice of training camp Saturday at College Park Center, with Alanna Smith rejoining the team for the first time since immigration matters pulled her away earlier in the week.
Head coach Jose Fernandez, Smith, No. 31 overall pick Zee Spearman, and second-year guard Aziaha James each spoke with Dallas Hoops Journal after practice.
Full interviews are embedded below.
Jose Fernandez
Fernandez said the Wings played with incredible pace and spacing Saturday, with Smith‘s return adding a dimension to the offense by allowing her to grab rebounds and start the break. He highlighted Azzi Fudd‘s shooting, Spearman’s offseason work, Odyssey Sims and Alysha Clark‘s veteran impact, and Maddy Siegrist‘s energy as standouts through the first week of camp.
Fernandez also discussed how he is evaluating final roster spots and what he is learning about himself in his first WNBA coaching experience.
Alanna Smith
The reigning WNBA Defensive Player of the Year said she was determined to be on the floor Saturday despite arriving back in the country late the night before.
Smith discussed her defensive anchor role in Fernandez’s system, the freedom she has been given offensively as a rebound-and-go big, what she has learned about Paige Bueckers as a teammate after years competing against her, and her long-season perspective on building toward a championship run.
Zee Spearman
Spearman said her first WNBA training camp has been an amazing experience, describing the league’s physicality as a real adjustment and recounting her first “welcome to the W” moment when an opponent caught her in the stomach early in camp.
She credited Rayah Marshall and Odyssey Sims as the veterans who have taken her under their wing, talked about developing a next-play mentality, and outlined the versatility she brings as a perimeter, post, rim-running, and rebounding option.
Aziaha James
James said her offseason at Unrivaled gave her real confidence heading into year two, particularly in how she watched veterans handle recovery, workouts, and unseen hours of work. She made point-of-attack defense her primary offseason focus, getting bigger and stronger to handle the physicality, and outlined a clearly defined role in Fernandez’s system as a knock-down shooter and on-ball defender.
James also discussed what she is learning from Li Yueru and how the Wings’ pace will benefit her game in transition.
The Wings will not hold a media availability on Sunday as they hold a film day. The team will hold media day on Monday. Dallas begins preseason action on April 30 against the Indiana Fever at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
More Wings Coverage on Dallas Hoops Journal
- ‘When I’m Here, I’m Here’: Alanna Smith Returns To Dallas Wings Camp After Immigration Requirements
- Paige Bueckers Embraces Defensive ‘Standard’ For Dallas Wings After Unrivaled Carryover
- Dallas Wings 5-on-5 Day 6 Clips: Paige Bueckers And Azzi Fudd Play Together, Bigs Compete, Takeaways
- Dallas Wings Training Camp Day 6 Recap: Paige Bueckers Sets Tone, Azzi Fudd Adjusts, Li Yueru’s Balance, Roster Competition
- Paige Bueckers On Dallas Wings’ New Offensive System: ‘Never A Stagnant Moment’
- ‘It’s About Want To’: Paige Bueckers’ Vocal Leadership Is Setting The Dallas Wings’ Training Camp Tone
- Awak Kuier’s Immigration Wait Leaves Dallas Wings Return Date Unclear
- Jessica Shepard, Costanza Verona’s Italian Championship Run Shapes Dallas Wings Return
- Arike Ogunbowale Nears Return To Dallas Wings After Chinese Championship Run
- Alanna Smith Departs Dallas Wings Camp For Immigration Requirements After Strong Start
