archiveDallas Hoops Journal

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: Dallas Mavericks Hire Masai Ujiri "I Hope to Bring Calm": Masai Ujiri’s arrival marks a definitive end to the chaotic post-Luka era. By emphasizing "calm" and "winning" in his Tuesday introduction, Ujiri signaled a move away from the high-volatility decision-making that has defined the front office since...

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 Mavericks Hire Masai Ujiri The Six-Month Search Ends: Masai Ujiri's hiring concludes a search that began in November 2025 following the dismissal of Nico Harrison. Ujiri's arrival brings immediate stability to a franchise that finished a disappointing 26-56 in the 2025-26 season. Cleaning the Slate: Ujiri...

DHJ Quick Take: Alanna Smith Injury in Austin The Injury Variable: Alanna Smith was the most efficient player on the floor (12 points, 7 rebounds in 12 minutes) before an inadvertent elbow from A'ja Wilson forced her exit. While labeled a precaution, her health is the "mechanical necessity" for a...

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: Rayah Marshall is Cleared to Play The Marshall Addition: After being downgraded earlier today, Rayah Marshall's clearance for the 6 p.m. tip-off is a major win for Jose Fernandez. The USC product and former 25th overall pick provides the length and athleticism needed to challenge the Aces'...

DHJ Quick Take: Alanna Smith Injury Update The Defensive Anchor: Having Alanna Smith available enables the Wings to continue to build chemistry, especially as Jessica Shepard enters the mix. Smith is leaned on as a defensive anchor and versatile stretch big to complement a team with perimeter firepower. The Marshall...

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...