archivePaige Bueckers

DHJ Quick Take: The Spacing Revolution The Zero-Hesitation Policy: Fernandez’s vocal frustration on Day 1 underscores the "Structural Pressure" mentioned by Aliyah Boston. For the Wings' offense to work, Fudd cannot just be a shooter; she has to be a threat. By yelling at her to "shoot the damn ball,"...

DHJ Quick Take: Press Conference Highlights The Aggression Directive: Head coach Jose Fernandez made headlines on Day 1 by instructing No. 1 pick Azzi Fudd to prioritize hunting her shot, noting that her aggression is what "opens things up for everyone else." Year 2 Mentality: Paige Bueckers returned to Arlington...

DHJ Quick Take: The Rookie Blueprint The Courtney Williams Connection: Fudd shared that the most impactful advice she received during draft weekend came from WNBA veteran Courtney Williams. The message was simple but profound: "Do what got you drafted." This hits differently for Fudd, given that Williams is a legend...

DHJ Quick Take: Azzi Fudd Details Journey Overcoming the Doubts: Fudd’s journey to the top was far from linear. She admitted to Fox 4 that during her grueling rehab stints at UConn, she often wondered if she would ever return to her elite form. Being called No. 1 was the...

DHJ Quick Take: The Rival’s Perspective The Floor-Spacing Nightmare: Boston’s analysis focused heavily on the "pressure" created by the Wings' new frontcourt depth. By adding Alanna Smith, Curt Miller has ensured that the Fever’s interior defense cannot simply "park" in the paint to stop Paige Bueckers or Arike Ogunbowale without...

DHJ Quick Take: Dallas Wings Bring 22 to Camp The Return of Odyssey: Odyssey Sims' return to Arlington provides an immediate veteran presence for the young backcourt. Fresh off an Athletes Unlimited title, her "tempo-changing" ability is the perfect bridge for rookies Paige Bueckers and Azzi Fudd. Veteran Stability: The...

DHJ Quick Take: The No. 1 Pick Presser The Basketball Focus: While the headline-grabbing question took a different turn, the substance of the presser answered roster logic. Curt Miller detailed an "eyes, ears, and numbers" evaluation that identified Azzi Fudd as the perfect fit for the Wings’ spacing needs, while...

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...