archiveAlanna Smith

DHJ Quick Take: Dallas Wings Put on a Show in Austin Market Validation: A capacity crowd of 10,179 at the Moody Center provided a deafening backdrop for the first WNBA game in Austin history. The atmosphere served as powerful proof of concept for Central Texas as a premier basketball market...

DHJ Quick Take: Rayah Marshall is Cleared to Play The Marshall Addition: After being downgraded earlier today, Rayah Marshall's clearance for the 6 p.m. tip-off is a major win for Jose Fernandez. The USC product and former 25th overall pick provides the length and athleticism needed to challenge the Aces'...

DHJ Quick Take: Alanna Smith Injury Update The Defensive Anchor: Having Alanna Smith available enables the Wings to continue to build chemistry, especially as Jessica Shepard enters the mix. Smith is leaned on as a defensive anchor and versatile stretch big to complement a team with perimeter firepower. The Marshall...

DHJ Quick Take: Dallas Wings Keys Against Las Vegas Aces Defensive Connectivity: Despite a 15-point win over Indiana, Jose Fernandez was blunt about the Wings' defensive lapses. The "mechanical necessity" for tonight is "walling up"—maintaining verticality on straight-line drives to reduce a foul rate that gifted the Fever 42 free-throw...

DHJ Quick Take: Awak Kuier's Arrival Regular Season Preparation: Head coach Jose Fernandez has identified Tuesday as the formal start of "Regular Season Preparation." With Awak Kuier nearing her arrival in North Texas, the Wings move from a shorthanded evaluation phase into a fully integrated tactical build ahead of the...

DHJ Quick Take: The Jessica Shepard Addition The Arrival: Jessica Shepard arrives in Austin fresh off a Serie A1 championship with Beretta Famila Schio. Her dominance in Europe—ranking first in Euroleague rebounding (9.5) and double-doubles—gives the Wings a frontcourt piece playing at a world-class level. The "Point-Forward" Utility: Both Paige...

DHJ Quick Take: Tactical Impact Arike's Timeline: While Arike Ogunbowale has returned from her championship run in China, a right ankle injury prevents her preseason debut. The Wings are prioritizing her health for the May 9 regular-season opener against Caitlin Clark and the Fever. The Smith Variable: Alanna Smith is...

DHJ Quick Take: Dallas Wings Defeat Indiana Fever in Preseason Opener The Second Quarter Avalanche: After a shaky start, the Wings triggered a decisive 36-17 run in the second period, shooting 72.2% from the floor. This surge was a mechanical necessity born from improved ball security and the high-low chemistry...

DHJ Quick Take: Dallas Wings Postgame Takeaways Efficiency Overload: Paige Bueckers provided a masterclass in scoring efficiency, dropping 20 points on 8-of-12 shooting in just 20 minutes. Her chemistry with Alanna Smith in pick-and-roll actions was the mechanical necessity that triggered a 36-17 second-quarter run, effectively ending the game before...

DHJ Quick Take: New Dallas Wings Pose Challenges Scouting Respect: Stephanie White highlighted the Wings' massive offseason overhaul as a primary challenge, noting the additions of Alanna Smith, Jessica Shepard, and Alysha Clark force the Fever to "guard differently" than in 2025. She credited Jose Fernandez as an "outstanding coach"...