DHJ Quick Take: The Survival of the Fittest
- The Logistical Challenge: Curt Miller described the offseason as “relentless,” and that energy carries into camp. With at least five players arriving late due to international duties—including Costanza Verona—the early days of camp will require Jose Fernandez to install his new system with a revolving door of personnel.
- International Pedigree: The fact that Costanza Verona is arriving mid-Scudetto finals and Dulcy Fankam Mendjiadeu is coming off a Serbian Cup title shows the level of talent Dallas is bringing in just for backups. This isn’t a “look-see” camp; it’s a EuroLeague-caliber environment.
- The “Never Done” Mentality: Miller’s comment that the roster is “never done” signals to the 21 women in Arlington that complacency is not an option. Expect a highly physical camp where defensive versatility and “terminological” quickness determine who makes the flight to Indiana on May 9.
ARLINGTON, Texas — The Dallas Wings open training camp as early as April 19 with a large and talent-rich group. Dallas has assembled over 20 players for training camp, creating a situation that will ultimately require tough decisions to cut the final roster to a maximum of 12 players, with two development spots.
Adding to the complexity, sources tell Dallas Hoops Journal that at least five players are expected to arrive late due to international obligations and immigration procedures, with between 16 and 17 players anticipated in Dallas on day one of camp.
General manager Curt Miller acknowledged the situation Monday night after the draft.
“Some international players will arrive late, so we’re continuing to work even after this call,” Miller said. “It’s still not done — we’re trying to get players to training camp as soon as we get off this call. It’s been relentless work.”
The Full Dallas Wings Training Camp Roster
Here is every player expected in Dallas for training camp:
Guards
- Paige Bueckers
- Azzi Fudd
- Arike Ogunbowale
- Aziaha James
- JJ Quinerly
- Grace Berger
- Odyssey Sims
- Lindsay Allen
- Shyanne Sellers
- Costanza Verona
Wings
- Maddy Siegrist
- Amy Okonkwo
- Dulcy Fankam Mendjiadeu
- Grace Sullivan
- Alysha Clark
Bigs
- Alanna Smith
- Jessica Shepard
- Awak Kuier
- Rayah Marshall
- Li Yueru
- Kyla Oldacre
- Zee Spearman
Who’s Expected to Arrive Late
It ultimately remains to be seen who will be among the late arrivals. However, Dallas did target various international players who could be in that position. For example, Italian national team point guard Costanza Verona is still competing in the Italian Scudetto finals with EuroLeague powerhouse Schio.
Verona addressed the timeline directly in a recent interview with Italian outlet Pianeta Basket.
“The sooner I arrive, the more time I’ll have to earn my place in the team,” Verona said.
Immigration procedures add another layer of complexity for international players joining an American professional roster on a compressed timeline. The Wings’ offseason has unfolded under an unusually condensed schedule — a byproduct of the new CBA being finalized late, pushing free agency, the expansion draft, and the WNBA Draft into a matter of days.
The Bigger Picture
Despite the logistical complexity, Miller and head coach Jose Fernandez expressed confidence in the process on Monday night after the draft.
“It’s going to take time — there are a lot of new parts, new terminology, and a new style — but with some grace, I’m excited to see where this team is in July and beyond,” Miller said.
Fernandez was characteristically direct about expectations.
“I was brought here to win, and that’s what I plan to do,” Fernandez said.
And as for whether the roster is truly finished?
“Never done. Never done. Never done,” Miller said.
Dallas will play two preseason games before opening the regular season on the road against the Indiana Fever on Saturday, May 9, at 12 p.m. CT.
The Wings’ preseason opener is also on the road against the Fever on April 30, followed by what is technically a home game against the Las Vegas Aces on May 3 at Moody Center on the University of Texas campus. Both preseason games are slated to tip off at 6 p.m. CT.
More Wings Coverage on Dallas Hoops Journal
- Dallas Wings Sign Kyla Oldacre And Grace Sullivan To Training Camp Contracts
- ‘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
- ‘Nothing I Could Have Imagined’: Azzi Fudd Reacts To Dallas Wings Selection And Paige Bueckers Reunion
- ‘Ecstatic To Add Her’: Curt Miller Breaks Down Azzi Fudd As No. 1 Pick For Dallas Wings
- Dallas Wings Select Azzi Fudd No. 1 Overall, Reuniting Her With Paige Bueckers
- Rebecca Lobo On Azzi Fudd Going No. 1 To Dallas Wings: ‘She Has WNBA All-Star Potential As A Rookie’
- ‘Our Top Target’: Dallas Wings Sign Reigning WNBA Co-Defensive Player Of The Year Alanna Smith To Three-Year Max Deal
- ‘I’ll Do Everything To Earn A Spot’: Costanza Verona Eager For Dallas Wings Training Camp
