archiveTraining Camp

DHJ Quick Take: The Shooting Standard The Spacing Mandate: The Dallas Wings coaching staff is emphasizing the "good shots to great shots" philosophy. The goal is clear: maximize the gravity of their primary creators to generate high-percentage looks for the entire rotation. Veteran Synergy: Seeing Odyssey Sims and Alysha Clark...

DHJ Quick Take: The Schematic Evolution The "Stack" Action: Seeing Paige Bueckers as the back-screener in Stack (or Spain) pick-and-roll is a significant tactical shift. By using Paige to screen for a rolling big like Li Yueru, Fernandez creates an immediate "lose-lose" for the defense: either give up a rim...

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: 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...

DHJ Quick Take: Alanna Smith Adjusts to Dallas The "Home Run" Addition: Curt Miller was clear: landing Alanna Smith and Jessica Shepard was the "home run" that defined the Wings' offseason. By securing the 2025 WNBA co-Defensive Player of the Year in free agency, Dallas effectively built a defensive wall...

DHJ Quick Take: The Logistical Grind The Staggered Return: The Wings’ 2026 season officially hits high gear soon. Dulcy Fankam Mendjiadeu (fresh off a Serbian Championship) returns Saturday, while Arike Ogunbowale—following her Game 5 in China—is expected Monday. Jessica Shepard’s arrival hinges on Thursday’s Italian Serie A1 result: a Schio...

DHJ Quick Take: The Training Camp Vibe The Voice of Paige: Jose Fernandez’s "Championship Standard" has found its perfect engine in Paige Bueckers. The head coach’s glowing praise for her leadership—even with seasoned veterans arriving—is a massive green flag. Bueckers isn't just a star; she is the culture-setter whose "voice"...

DHJ Quick Take: The Scrimmage Tape The UConn Short-Cut: The curl-and-knockdown between Paige Bueckers and Azzi Fudd shows the value of a tactical advantage. Jose Fernandez is installing a "totally different language" at camp, but the Bueckers-Fudd connection allows Dallas to skip the "learning curve" phase. The Defensive Standard: After...

DHJ Quick Take: The Mental Reset The Thursday Read: Jose Fernandez is less interested in physical rest and more in "mental retention." By framing Thursday (Day 5) as the true test, he is challenging the 15-player active group to prove that the on-court reps and defensive principles instilled over the...

DHJ Quick Take: Dallas Wings Put in 'Very Good Day' The Leadership Standard: Jose Fernandez made it clear that "no one should ever question your effort as a pro." By highlighting Paige Bueckers' habit of being the first in the building for treatment and the last to leave the floor,...