archiveAlanna Smith

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...

DHJ Quick Take: The Spacing Revolution The Zero-Hesitation Policy: Fernandez’s vocal frustration on Day 1 underscores the "Structural Pressure" mentioned by Aliyah Boston. For the Wings' offense to work, Fudd cannot just be a shooter; she has to be a threat. By yelling at her to "shoot the damn ball,"...

DHJ Quick Take: Press Conference Highlights The Aggression Directive: Head coach Jose Fernandez made headlines on Day 1 by instructing No. 1 pick Azzi Fudd to prioritize hunting her shot, noting that her aggression is what "opens things up for everyone else." Year 2 Mentality: Paige Bueckers returned to Arlington...

DHJ Quick Take: The Rival’s Perspective The Floor-Spacing Nightmare: Boston’s analysis focused heavily on the "pressure" created by the Wings' new frontcourt depth. By adding Alanna Smith, Curt Miller has ensured that the Fever’s interior defense cannot simply "park" in the paint to stop Paige Bueckers or Arike Ogunbowale without...

DHJ Quick Take: Curt Miller Details Dallas Wings Roster Culture Over Everything: Miller's emphasis that they accomplished their talent goals "without sacrifice" to the locker room is a direct nod to the high-character mandate he's championed. By targeting Alanna Smith and Jessica Shepard as "culture-first" players, the Wings have ensured...

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...

DHJ Quick Take: The Efficiency of a Champion Historic Statistical Profile: Alysha Clark isn't just a "vet"—she is a statistical unicorn. Holding the third-highest effective field goal percentage (10% higher than league average) in WNBA history, she provides Jose Fernandez with a "gravity" threat that forces defenses to stay honest....