archiveDallas Hoops Journal

DHJ Quick Take: The Veteran Catalyst The AU Dominance: Sims isn't just "returning home"; she’s arriving as the most dominant player in the world right now. Her 2026 Athletes Unlimited championship—where she became the first player to cross 30,000 career points—proves that at 33, her scoring (26.2 PPG) and "tempo-changing"...

DHJ Quick Take: The Professional Standard Elite Preparation: Fudd’s comment that "this is the best my body has felt" is a massive signal to the league. By being "intentional" with her recovery and regimen over the last year, she isn't entering training camp as a rookie trying to catch up—she’s...

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 EuroLeague Edge The "Schio" Connection: Verona arrives with championship DNA, having won five Italian Cups with Schio. Her familiarity with Jessica Shepard—who she played alongside in Italy—provides an immediate "chemistry bridge" that most training camp invitees lack. The Jose Fernandez Factor: Jose Fernandez has long been...

DHJ Quick Take: The Elite Standard The Top Tier: Chris Brickley’s endorsement of Paige Bueckers having "that mentality that the greats have" puts her in rare air. By training alongside the same minds that sharpen Kevin Durant and LeBron James, Bueckers is refining the "99th-percentile" skill set that made her...

DHJ Quick Take: The Face of a New Era The Resilience Narrative: Fudd’s reflection on "relearning how to trust your body" after multiple ACL tears is the heart of her story. It embodies the evaluation Curt Miller emphasized; the Wings aren't just getting a shooter, they are getting a player...

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....

DHJ Quick Take: The Veteran Anchor Winning in the Locker Room: Curt Miller has repeatedly emphasized that "you win first in the locker room." By adding Alysha Clark, the Wings now have a player who has won titles with both the Seattle Storm and Las Vegas Aces. Her championship shorthand...

DHJ Quick Take: The Length Revolution Intentional Size: Curt Miller’s strategy is unmistakable. Between Alanna Smith, Jessica Shepard, Awak Kuier, and now Zee Spearman, the Wings have built a "Wall of Dallas" that stands 6-foot-4 or taller. This length is designed to insulate Paige Bueckers and Arike Ogunbowale defensively. 3x3...