archiveAziaha James

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: 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: 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: A Masterclass in Sequencing The Visionary GM: Everything Curt Miller told Dallas Hoops Journal last August has manifested. From utilizing cap flexibility for "over-offers" to land top-tier vets like Alanna Smith, to stockpiling 2027 draft assets, Miller has proven that the Wings are thinking three moves ahead...

The Dallas Wings are not simply entering another offseason. They are stepping into a structural crossroads that will define the early years of the Paige Bueckers era, with a thin 2026 books sheet, a massive Arike Ogunbowale decision, and a second straight No. 1 pick all converging at once. Dallas...

The WNBA and the players union extended negotiations on a new collective bargaining agreement to Jan. 9, reaching the deal just before Sunday’s midnight deadline and avoiding an immediate pause in league operations. The league detailed the terms of the agreement in an official statement: “The WNBA and WNBPA have...

The Dallas Wings fired head coach Chris Koclanes after one season, the team announced Tuesday. Koclanes, who was hired by Wings executive vice president and general manager Curt Miller after working as his assistant with the Los Angeles Sparks, guided Dallas to a 10-34 record in 2025 — tied for...

The Dallas Wings enter the 2026 season with cautious optimism and a rare chance to change their trajectory after a 10–34 campaign in 2025. That season, defined by injuries, roster turnover, and the emergence of Rookie of the Year Paige Bueckers, clarified the team’s long-term direction. Despite tying for the...

Paige Bueckers ended her first WNBA season with gratitude and conviction. After the Dallas Wings closed their 2025 campaign with a 97-76 victory over the Phoenix Mercury, the rookie guard looked past the 10-win record and pointed to what she believes is a foundation for long-term growth. “Just a whole...