archiveAlanna Smith

DHJ Quick Take: Wings Open 2026 at Indiana as Caitlin Clark Makes Her Return Dallas opens its rebuilt 2026 season on the road against a championship-favorite Indiana Fever in Caitlin Clark's first meaningful game since July 2025. The opener doubles as the pro debut of the Paige Bueckers and Azzi...

DHJ Quick Take: Wings Near Full Strength for Indy The Probable Advantage: Seeing Alanna Smith and Aziaha James listed as "probable" is the best possible news for the Wings' flight to Indianapolis. While Jose Fernandez has been cautious with his public comments, the official designation suggests that both key pieces...

DHJ Quick Take: Practice Readiness and Culture Building Injury Watch: The most critical update from Thursday is Aziaha James returning to drills. Her perimeter defense and scoring punch are vital for a backcourt that needs depth against Caitlin Clark. While Alanna Smith is still limited to individual work, the "progressing...

DHJ Quick Take: Monitoring the Final Countdown The Long View on Alanna: Jose Fernandez is playing it close to the vest regarding Alanna Smith. While "on schedule" is a positive phrase, the emphasis on the "long season" suggests the medical staff is prioritizing her long-term safety over the Week 1...

DHJ Quick Take: The Paige Bueckers Era is Here The Ultimate Endorsement: Being voted the #1 player to build a franchise around by WNBA GMs—beating out a four-time MVP in A'ja Wilson and Caitlin Clark—is the definitive "passing of the torch" moment. It proves that the basketball world views Bueckers’...

DHJ Quick Take: Dallas Wings Injury Updates The Frontcourt Anchor: Alanna Smith’s status is the most significant hurdle for the Wings heading into Indianapolis. A nasal fracture sustained from an A'ja Wilson elbow means Smith will be fitted for a protective mask, but her absence from practice leaves a void...

DHJ Quick Take: Arike Ogunbowale’s Legacy of Loyalty The Culture Shift: Arike Ogunbowale’s decision to re-sign for less than the super max is the foundational move of the Jose Fernandez era. By prioritizing roster flexibility over personal salary, she helped facilitate the signings of Alanna Smith and Jessica Shepard, proving...

DHJ Quick Take: Arike Ogunbowale Returns to Dallas Wings The Saturday Outlook: Arike Ogunbowale’s "for sure" status for the opener in Indianapolis is the definitive takeaway. After a 2-0 preseason without her, the Wings reintegrate their cornerstone against a Fever backcourt now featuring the Caitlin Clark and Aliyah Boston tandem....

DHJ Quick Take: The State of the Roster The Full Core Debut: For the first time in camp, Jose Fernandez saw his projected "identity" on the floor with Awak Kuier and Arike Ogunbowale fully participating. The Injury Cloud: The primary concern is now Aziaha James, who went down during Tuesday's...

DHJ Quick Take: Dallas Wings Are Finally Whole The Full Roster Logic: Today was the first time Jose Fernandez had his "projected core" for 5-on-5 work amid Arike Ogunbowale and Awak Kuier joining the team. The Recruitment Trail: Ogunbowale’s insight into her role recruiting Alanna Smith and Jessica Shepard highlights...