archiveAzzi Fudd

DHJ Quick Take: Preseason Takeaways and Final Preparations The Adaptation Curve: For Azzi Fudd, the No. 1 overall pick, the preseason provided a critical baseline for adjusting to the WNBA: pace and physicality. Her biggest takeaway is a self-correction on shot mechanics—learning to trust her natural release speed rather than...

DHJ Quick Take: Wings Final Prep & Rotational Mechanics System Integration: Tuesday marked the first opportunity for Jose Fernandez to evaluate his projected core in 5-on-5 drills. With Awak Kuier and Arike Ogunbowale reintegrated into the lineup, the team has three consecutive practices to continue aligning their timing with the...

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: 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...

DHJ Quick Take: The Roster Architecture Frontcourt Shift: Dallas waived Rayah Marshall after her preseason debut and less than a month after acquiring her in the Diamond Miller trade. This leaves the frontcourt depth chart to Alanna Smith, Jessica Shepard, Awak Kuier, and Li Yueru. Backcourt Trim: The team moved...

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: 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: Azzi Fudd's Preseason Debut The IQ Adjustment: Azzi Fudd noted that the biggest jump from college to the WNBA isn't just about athleticism but also "IQ." Her early foul trouble (3 in the first half) served as a mechanical necessity for learning the speed of pro close-outs—a...

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...