archiveAlanna Smith

DHJ Quick Take: The Numbers Game The 12+2 Expansion: Under the new WNBA collective bargaining agreement (CBA), Dallas now has more flexibility with 12 guaranteed spots plus two developmental slots. This "14-player ceiling" is a lifeline for younger prospects, who might have been cut in previous years but now offer...

DHJ Quick Take: Dallas Wings Put in 'Very Good Day' The Leadership Standard: Jose Fernandez made it clear that "no one should ever question your effort as a pro." By highlighting Paige Bueckers' habit of being the first in the building for treatment and the last to leave the floor,...

DHJ Quick Take: The Professional Standard The Global Game: Li Yueru noting that Fernandez’s "European influence" makes her more comfortable is a win for Dallas' frontcourt fluidity. Her focus on extending her range and building two-man game chemistry with Azzi Fudd suggests the Wings will utilize more high-post facilitation than...

DHJ Quick Take: Tactical Tape Study The Defensive Blueprint: The video of the "X-out" and "top-locking" drills confirms Jose Fernandez’s move toward a disruptive, high-pressure scheme. By prioritizing "fighting over" screens rather than switching screens, the Wings are attempting to avoid giving mismatches. Frontcourt Mobility: The positional work emphasizes the rim-running and elbow...

DHJ Quick Take: The Culture Architect The Bueckers Factor: The most telling detail of the offseason is Paige Bueckers' active role in recruiting a 15-year veteran. This isn't just a second-year player finding her voice; it's Bueckers taking "ownership" of the roster construction. Her push for Alysha Clark shows maturity...

DHJ Quick Take: Laying the Defensive Foundation The Defensive Install: Jose Fernandez described his system as a "totally different language" on both ends of the floor. The coaching staff focused the session on aggressive low-defender rotations, X-out weakside coverage, and top-locking in the corner, emphasizing that he wants opponents forced...

DHJ Quick Take: Establishing the Standard The Defense-First Mandate: Jose Fernandez was blunt: defensive effort is not optional. By stating that he won't "coach effort," he is setting a professional floor that was often missing during the Wings' 10-34 campaign a year ago. His focus on "intentional" installation suggests a...

DHJ Quick Take: The Veteran’s Vision The Talent Magnet: Alanna Smith’s decision to join Dallas was fueled by the "young core" and the retention of Arike Ogunbowale and Maddy Siegrist. Her assessment that it is "hard to guard one person" when talent is spread across all five spots highlights the...

DHJ Quick Take: Court-Level Observations The Guard Game: The competitive shooting drills showcased the immediate chemistry of the UConn reunion. Azzi Fudd's quick release and Paige Bueckers' playmaking in transition were central themes of the perimeter-focused blocks. Positionless Post Play: Jose Fernandez’s emphasis on "slip, short roll, and space" confirms...

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...