archiveAlanna Smith

DHJ Quick Take: The Aziaha James Leap The Unrivaled Foundation: After spending her rookie season in a developmental role, Aziaha James arrived at camp in "tip-top shape" following her stint with Phantom BC in the Unrivaled 3-on-3 league. Coach Jose Fernandez noted that her conditioning and pace have set her...

DHJ Quick Take: Saturday's Takeaways Aziaha James’ Year-Two Leap: Following a confidence-building offseason at Unrivaled, guard Aziaha James has been a clear standout in camp. Her focus on point-of-attack defense—paired with a scoring burst that saw her net three consecutive buckets on Saturday—positions her to be an impactful player. The...

DHJ Quick Take: The Week 1 Finale The Smith Catalyst: Alanna Smith's return immediately validated Jose Fernandez's offensive vision. Her ability to secure a rebound and initiate the break herself ("grab-and-go") creates a pace that keeps opposing defenses from setting their half-court shells. This versatility is the engine for the...

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 Defensive Focus The Unrivaled Carryover: The most practical takeaway from the first week of camp is Paige Bueckers' conditioning. She noted that the constant isolation reps and lack of "off possessions" in Unrivaled prepared her for the defensive workload that Jose Fernandez requires. Backcourt Balance with...

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: Friday Takeaways Off-Ball Versatility: Head coach Jose Fernandez provided a key schematic insight by outlining a specific Paige Bueckers off-ball package. By utilizing Odyssey Sims, JJ Quinerly, and Lindsay Allen to handle primary playmaking duties, Fernandez aims to leverage Bueckers' gravity as a scorer—a tactical shift that...

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...