DHJ Quick Take: Notebook Observations
- The Velocity Gap: Fernandez‘s “Sports Car” analogy isn’t just a quote; it’s a tactical roadmap. By noting the gap in pace between veterans and camp invites, he’s signaling that his rotation will be built on players who can process information at WNBA speed without sacrificing “The UConn Standard” of discipline.
- The “Madman” Three-Hour Practice: The transition from college to the pros often sees a dip in practice intensity. Fernandez is doing the opposite—bringing three-hour sessions to Arlington to ensure his 17-player group is conditioned for the “90 to 100 possessions” he expects in May.
- Paige’s Point-of-Attack Growth: Paige Bueckers mentioning her growth in isolation and space from Unrivaled is massive. She is ready to be even more of a primary “rim-pressure” engine, which perfectly complements Azzi Fudd‘s gravity.
- The Underrated Shepard Factor: Alanna Smith’s scouting report on Jessica Shepard as a “Triple-Double” threat in space is the key to the Wings‘ frontcourt versatility. If Shepard can facilitate from the high post, it allows Arike Ogunbowale and Fudd to hunt shots off the ball.
ARLINGTON, Texas — The Dallas Wings opened training camp Sunday in Arlington under first-year head coach Jose Fernandez, with 17 players on the floor for the opening session and five overseas commitments keeping the full roster from being together on Day 1. It marked the largest training camp group Fernandez has ever coached and the official start of a 20-day runway leading up to the May 9 season opener for 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. Dallas held off on five-on-five work, with Fernandez planning to introduce it on Day 2.
A Shortened Runway and a Deliberate First Day
Fernandez emphasized the tight timeline throughout his media availability. Dallas has 15 scheduled practices and two exhibitions before the regular season opens, and the Wings are still waiting on Arike Ogunbowale, Jessica Shepard, Awak Kuier, Costanza Verona, and Dulcy Fankam Mendjiadeu to arrive due to overseas commitments.
The portion of the session open to the media included position-specific skill work before moving into team concepts. The frontcourt group worked on finishing on the roll and low-post positioning, while the guards ran through catch-and-shoot jumpers, spray-out passes, and competitive team shooting games.
“We have 17 at camp. I’ve never had 17 at a camp ever before,” Fernandez said. “So I think the biggest thing is how are we going to communicate the expectations, the standards, and how we talk to one another, the pace of everything that we do.”
Fernandez said the first day was about establishing baselines without overloading the group.
“For our first day, I thought we got up and down the floor. We got a short amount of time where every practice is so important because we only got 15 of them to get ready in 20 days, 15 practices, two exhibitions,” Fernandez said. “So we were able to put in a lot of our concepts in transition play, out of quick hitters, and four-on-four. So I was pleased. We didn’t go five-on-five, we’ll move that until tomorrow. But for the first day, I thought our energy, our enthusiasm, and our composure and work ethic was very, very good.”
Jose Fernandez on the Jump From College to the Pro Level
Fernandez, who arrived in Dallas after a long tenure at the University of South Florida and recent international coaching work with USA Basketball in the Afro Cup scouting cycle, said the pace and IQ of the WNBA level stood out immediately on Day 1.
“These guys, the college level, I’ve coached a lot of pros, 30 still playing internationally, and some draft picks, but when you have a collection like this, it’s a different type of car,” Fernandez said. “These guys are sports cars.”
He added that the gap between veterans and new arrivals is visible in pace and terminology, something he said the group will have to close daily.
“You see a big difference where free agents and camp invites maybe haven’t been used to the pace and terminology,” Fernandez said. “Right now, we have a lot of players coming from overseas and different professional teams. It’s about speaking the same language in defensive coverages and offensively. That’s what we’ll continue to build daily.”
Fernandez also acknowledged his practice habits might come as a surprise to some of the pros in the gym.
“Some of these players probably haven’t practiced for three hours since college, so they probably think I’m the madman from college, but it was fun,” Fernandez said. “This group is going to be good and fun to coach.”
Jose Fernandez’s Directive to Azzi Fudd: Shoot the Ball
Fudd’s first professional practice came with an immediate and direct message from her new head coach: stop passing up open shots.
“I had to yell at her and tell her, ‘Don’t pass up open shots,'” Fernandez said. “Especially in some of the actions we’re going to run for her, she better shoot the ball if she’s open.”
Fernandez said the No. 1 overall pick was brought in to space the floor, and the actions Dallas plans to run will create looks she has to take.
“That’s what she does,” Fernandez said. “She can’t pass up open shots. There are situations where the floor isn’t balanced or rebounding opportunities aren’t there, and we’ll talk about those, but she needs to do what she was brought here to do and space the floor.”
Fudd said the feedback was familiar.
“That seems to be a common trend,” Fudd said. “I share the love, but remembering to shoot when I’m open, my teammates remind me of that. It’ll be an easy adjustment.”
She also framed the aggressive mindset as something that helps the team, not just herself.
“As long as I’m being aggressive, that helps the team,” Fudd said. “When I change my mindset and remember that being aggressive helps the team, it makes a difference. If I’m passing up open shots, the defense can play off me. But if I’m a threat, they have to guard me and respect me, and it opens things up for other people.”
Fudd said the transition from UConn to Dallas requires an adjustment period she’s still working through.
“Everything is different. I’ve been in the same place for five years, so I got a little comfortable,” Fudd said. “Here, I’m learning new plays, new concepts, new terminology, and learning how to play with everyone, except for one person I’ve actually played with before. So learning their tendencies and what they like, it’s going to be fun.”
She also offered her early impressions of Fernandez.
“I’ve really enjoyed getting to know him. I knew him a little in college from playing against him and meeting him then,” Fudd said. “Then from dinner, from phone calls, and now the first day of training camp, I’ve really enjoyed it so far.”
Paige Bueckers Enters Year 2 Ready to Lead
Bueckers opened her media availability by discussing an offseason that included Unrivaled, USA Basketball training camp with the national team, and a surprise trip to Croatia to visit former UConn teammate Nika Mühl. She said both Unrivaled and Team USA helped her develop her voice as a leader.
“In Unrivaled, I learned to use my voice and be confident in that. We were a younger team, so I had to step up in my leadership role,” Bueckers said. “With USA Basketball, it was the same, being in a room with so many greats, Hall of Famers, people I grew up watching, and still being confident and using my voice while they respected it, that meant a lot.”
She also pointed to a technical takeaway from Unrivaled’s three-on-three format. She believes she was able to work on how she attacks in isolation, as well as how she contains on-ball in those situations. It was a valuable learning experience.
“Three-on-three basketball also teaches you how to move in isolation, in space, offensively and defensively. I learned a lot about myself,” Bueckers said.
Bueckers said her approach has shifted from Year 1 to Year 2, coming in with greater comfort and a willingness to take ownership as a leader. She is being intentional about ensuring every possession and practice is taken seriously to set the tone.
“As a rookie, I wanted to gain respect, gel with the team, and not step on toes. Now it’s about taking ownership of who I want to be and what we want this team to be,” Bueckers said. “Coach Jose has emphasized how we want to perform, how we show up, taking every possession and practice seriously, and growing together. Being able to set that tone and be confident in it, I’ve grown a lot in that.”
She laid out a specific set of on-court goals for the season, including shooting more 3-pointers, getting to the rim, and the free throw line more. She also wants to push the pace in transition. Most importantly, she’s always focused on winning at basketball and being a great teammate.
“I want to get up more threes, get to the paint more, live at the rim more, and get to the free-throw line more. Just getting out in transition and making plays,” Bueckers said. “But 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 also drew a direct comparison between Fernandez and Geno Auriemma, her longtime head coach at UConn.
“He reminds me a lot of Geno in terms of discipline, structure, and the culture he wants to build,” Bueckers said of Fernandez. “He has a no-BS mentality and doesn’t let anything slide. He’s very detail-oriented but communicates well with players. He takes feedback, and while it starts as a coach-led team, it becomes player-led. He’s done a great job on day one, setting the tone for what we want to look like.”
Bueckers said Fernandez’s coaching style boosts the team, with players knowing their roles and a sense of accountability across the board.
“It gives you confidence. Everyone knows their role and what it’s going to take. If someone steps outside the culture, he holds us accountable,” Bueckers said. “It helps you hold yourself accountable, too. That clarity builds confidence across the team.”
Asked how she supports new teammates adjusting to the system, Bueckers returned to a theme she has emphasized since her rookie year: being overcommunicative.
“Being overcommunicative. Even for returning players, everything is new, offense, terminology, defensive concepts. Communication is how you fix mistakes,” Bueckers said. “You’re not going to be perfect. Everyone is going to make mistakes. It’s about how you respond and how you communicate through it.”
Bueckers also scouted Fudd’s game in detail when asked what her longtime friend brings to a winning team.
“She impacts the game in so many ways. Obviously, her shooting, but also her ability to slash, cut, her IQ, and defensively disrupt things,” Bueckers said. “She’ll take on tough assignments, has great hands and length, and plays the right way. She’s a 40-plus percent three-point shooter, so her spacing alone helps us. She brings versatility and makes a big impact on both ends.”
Fernandez, for his part, said his job with Bueckers is straightforward.
“Great players want to be told the truth,” Fernandez said. “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.”
Asked what he wants from her in Year 2, Fernandez pointed to some specifics in Bueckers’ shot profile, particularly focusing on getting up more 3-pointers in transition and in the half-court.
“Continue to be great in leadership. I like the way she creates for others. We know about her mid-range, but she’s going to have to stretch the floor more, take more transition threes and half-court threes,” Fernandez said.
Alanna Smith Steps Into an Expanded Offensive Role
Smith, signed this offseason after earning WNBA Co-Defensive Player of the Year honors with Minnesota, is expected to take on a larger offensive role in Dallas than she carried with the Lynx.
“There’s going to be a higher usage without a doubt,” Fernandez said. “I think she was attracted to what we talked about, how we’re going to play and how she was going to be utilized.”
Smith did not go live on Day 1, having just arrived from travel, but took part in half-court three-on-three and four-on-four work on a no-contact basis.
“I thought we did a really, really good job in free agency. We added pieces that were needed in roster construction,” Fernandez said. “I look forward to coaching her because she disrupts stuff, she’s long, and late clock situations, where you can switch and track and do different things, she’s going to be fun to coach.”
Smith said the Wings’ core was a significant draw in free agency, emphasizing that the young core was attractive to play with. However, she named Ogunbowale and Siegrist as veteran talents that stood out.
“I liked the young core. I think they’ve got a lot of talent,” Smith said. “And then also bringing back players like Arike and Maddy as well. I think we’ve got a bright future ahead.”
Smith said the chance to take on a bigger offensive responsibility was part of what drew her to Dallas.
“I’m excited. It’s going to be a fun change of roles and something different for me, which I look forward to,” Smith said. “It’s going to be a challenge, which I’m really excited for at this point in my career. I think it’s going to be a lot of fun. I’m going to learn, I’m going to grow, it’s going to be great.”
She also spoke highly of the guard depth around her, including Bueckers. While she can expand her game offensively in Dallas, there is no shortage of complementary elements Smith brings.
“Super talented, especially through our guard spots. It’s going to make my life a lot easier,” Smith said. “When you have talent across all five spots on the floor, it’s hard to guard one person. Not only are those players going to thrive, but it’s going to make me better as well.”
Smith pointed to her familiarity with multiple Wings teammates as another factor easing her transition. Months ago, Smith played with Yueru and Ogunbowale on Mist BC at Unrivaled.
“When you know people’s games, it helps a lot. Basketball is about chemistry and how you play with your teammates,” Smith said. “I’ve had the privilege of playing with Li and Arike before, and I’ve watched and played against Paige as well. So you’re already building that chemistry, which I think is going to go a long way.”
Smith also offered a strong scouting take on incoming teammate Jessica Shepard, whom she played with in Minnesota.
“Jess is one of the most underrated players in the league. Her IQ and the way she can play in space is unbelievable,” Smith said. “She’s going to bring that to this team, along with the ability to distribute and score for herself. She had a triple-double with Minnesota last year, and I think she can get multiple of those in a season. I’m really excited for her, I think this is a great place for her.”
Amy Okonkwo, Frontcourt Versatility, and Roster Shape
Fernandez singled out returning forward Amy Okonkwo as a player whose versatility he was familiar with well before camp opened. He said his scouting of her began with her work on the Nigerian national team ahead of USA Basketball, ahead of competing at the World Cup Qualifier in Puerto Rico.
“I got to see a lot about Amy in preparation for the USA Basketball tournament in Puerto Rico because of scouting for the Afro Cup,” Fernandez said. “So I had already become familiar with her through her national team. I like her versatility. She’s got a great attitude, she’s coachable, and she can play a variety of positions.”
Fernandez said the versatility across the roster is one of the most exciting aspects of what Dallas has assembled, and he ran through the depth by position. He cited Kuier and Smith as pieces who can play multiple spots, with Okonkwo and Maddy Siegrist able to play inside-outside on the perimeter, and four guards in Bueckers, Ogunbowale, Fudd, and Aziaha James. Two veteran point guards in Odyssey Sims and Lindsay Allen provide additional backcourt stability, and Li Yueru offers stretch-five versatility.
“Awak and Alanna can play different spots,” Fernandez said. “On the perimeter, with AC and Maddy, they can play inside-outside. Then you have four guards in Paige, Arike, Azzi, and Aziaha. We have two veteran point guards here in Odyssey and Lindsay. Li can stretch the floor as a five with her experience.”
He also laid out what he wants to see from his frontcourt group, specifically. There is a sense that Dallas has no shortage of impactful post defenders, rebounders, and processers in pick-and-roll. However, the key is to balance playing inside-out with their talents.
“They’ve got to be great post defenders, rebound out of their area, rim run, and read pick-and-roll situations, whether to slip, short roll, or space,” Fernandez said. “We’ve got to have great balance and understand how we want to play inside-out, while also learning their strengths and what they’re comfortable with.”
Fernandez noted that expectations will shift once the overseas contingent arrives.
“That’s the biggest thing we have to do in a short amount of time,” Fernandez said. “As you know, Arike’s not here, Jess Shepard’s not here. When they get here, things in this practice facility are going to change dramatically. So I’m looking forward to putting as much stuff in and getting that to them so when they arrive, they’re prepared.”
JJ Quinerly Update and Standards Moving Forward
Fernandez provided an update on JJ Quinerly, one of the returning guards, working through a recovery. Quinerly underwent season-ending left knee surgery in October, specifically an osteochondral allograft procedure, and had the meniscus repaired.
“She’s coming back. We’re going to be very careful with her in regard to contact,” Fernandez said. “I don’t want to speak on medical specifics, but she’s putting in a lot of work rehabbing. We have to be careful from a player development and load standpoint, especially when we get into contact.”
Fernandez closed by framing his standards for the group and the level of preparation he expects daily.
“Day one, day five, day 12, day 20 should all look the same,” Fernandez said. “The games are magnified, 90 to 100 possessions, and every possession matters. Shot selection, defense, rim runs, taking care of the basketball, eyeball turnovers. There’s no slippage. What you allow, you encourage every day in practice. You always think to the level of your preparation. We’re going to be very well prepared and very well conditioned.”
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 Fever on Saturday, May 9, at 12 p.m. CT, before making their home debut at College Park Center in Arlington on Tuesday, May 12, at 7 p.m. CT against the Atlanta Dream.
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