archiveJessica Shepard

DHJ Quick Take: New Dallas Wings Pose Challenges Scouting Respect: Stephanie White highlighted the Wings' massive offseason overhaul as a primary challenge, noting the additions of Alanna Smith, Jessica Shepard, and Alysha Clark force the Fever to "guard differently" than in 2025. She credited Jose Fernandez as an "outstanding coach"...

DHJ Quick Take: How To Watch Azzi Fudd's Preseason Debut Azzi Fudd's Preseason Debut: The unofficial start of the Azzi Fudd era in Dallas is the headline story of the preseason. Pairing her with reigning Rookie of the Year Paige Bueckers creates a highly anticipated young Dallas Wings backcourt. Broadcast...

DHJ Quick Take: Dallas Wings Near Preseason Opener Defensive Tone-Setter: Alanna Smith’s debut is the most significant tactical storyline for Dallas. As the reigning WNBA Co-Defensive Player of the Year, her "one-percenter" mentality is the mechanical necessity required to anchor a shorthanded Wings frontcourt while Jessica Shepard and Awak Kuier...

DHJ Quick Take: Dallas Wings Injury Updates Measured Backcourt Progress: The Dallas Wings are taking a cautious approach with JJ Quinerly as she continues her recovery from major knee surgery. While Quinerly increased her on-court activity this week, the team is prioritizing her "speed ramp" toward the May 9 opener...

DHJ Quick Take: The Training Camp Logistics The Championship Pedigree: Curt Miller emphasized the "championship DNA" of his late arrivals. With Arike Ogunbowale (China), Jessica Shepard (Italy), and Dulcy Fankam Mendjiadeu (Serbia) all coming off overseas titles, the goal is to infuse the locker room with a "win-now" disposition that...

DHJ Quick Take: Alanna Smith is Back The Transition Catalyst: The most significant takeaway from Alanna Smith's first practice is the "grab-and-go" capability she adds to the transition game. By starting the break herself off the glass, Smith forces opposing bigs to defend in space and allows Paige Bueckers and...

DHJ Quick Take: The System Shift The European Influence: Head coach Jose Fernandez is moving the Wings away from isolation-heavy sets toward a "European-style" approach centered on ball movement and misdirection. As Curt Miller noted, the goal is to keep the defense in constant rotation. Unlocking Bueckers Off-Ball: By utilizing...

DHJ Quick Take: Early Dallas Wings Rotation Projections The "Big 5" Identity: Curt Miller's starting lineup of Paige Bueckers, Arike Ogunbowale, Azzi Fudd, Jessica Shepard, and Alanna Smith is viewed as a tactical "home run." By pairing three perimeter threats with a "Point Forward" in Shepard and a co-Defensive Player...

DHJ Quick Take: The Italian Connection The Schio Synergy: Jessica Shepard and Costanza Verona aren't just joining the Wings—they’re arriving with pre-existing championship chemistry. Currently competing for Famila Wuber Schio in the Italian Serie A1 Finals against Umana Reyer Venezia, the pair’s ability to communicate in Jose Fernandez’s system will...

DHJ Quick Take: Arike Ogunbowale's Arrival The Monday Milestone: Arike Ogunbowale's arrival on Monday evening marks the transition of the Wings' camp into its most critical phase. As Curt Miller noted, Ogunbowale is the final pillar of a "Top 8" group that has been trickling in from overseas, joining Alanna...