DHJ Quick Take: Press Conference Highlights<\/p>\n
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 \u201copens things up for everyone else.\u201d<\/p>\n
Year 2 Mentality: Paige Bueckers returned to Arlington with a refined focus on leadership and physical growth, detailing an offseason that included USA Basketball and Unrivaled training.<\/p>\n
The Frontcourt Hub: New signing Alanna Smith discussed her \u201chigher-usage\u201d offensive outlook, signaling that the Wings\u2018 new-look frontcourt will be a primary focus of Fernandez\u2018s system installation.<\/p>\n
UConn Continuity: Both Bueckers and Fudd addressed the seamless nature of their on-court chemistry, which served as a foundational anchor for the 17 players present for the opening session.<\/p>\n
ARLINGTON, Texas \u2014\u00a0The Dallas Wings<\/a> opened training camp Sunday in Arlington, where first-year head coach Jose Fernandez ran 17 players through the first of 15 scheduled practices ahead of the May 9 regular season opener at the Indiana Fever.<\/p>\n No. 1 overall pick Azzi Fudd<\/a> took the floor alongside second-year guard Paige Bueckers<\/a> and newly signed forward Alanna Smith<\/a> as Fernandez worked through transition concepts, quick hitters, and four-on-four sets. <\/p>\n Full video of each post-practice media availability is embedded below.<\/p>\n Jose Fernandez<\/p>\n Fernandez opened his first training camp as Dallas head coach with a clear emphasis on communication, pace, and the standards he wants established across a roster that mixes veterans, draft picks, and overseas returnees. He said Sunday marked the largest training camp group he has ever coached at 17 players, with Arike Ogunbowale<\/a>, Jessica Shepard<\/a>, Awak Kuier<\/a>, Costanza Verona<\/a>, and Dulcy Fankam Mendjiadeu<\/a> among those set to arrive after Day 1 due to overseas commitments.<\/p>\n Fernandez also addressed his plans for Smith\u2019s expanded offensive role and previewed what he wants from Bueckers in Year 2.<\/p>\n \u201cGreat players want to be told the truth,\u201d Fernandez said of coaching Bueckers. \u201cMy job is to put her in the best situations possible, for her to be successful in the open floor, in the half court with the ball, and playing off the ball.\u201d<\/p>\n Paige Bueckers<\/p>\n Bueckers detailed a summer that included Unrivaled, USA Basketball training camp with the national team, and a surprise trip to Croatia to visit a close friend and former UConn teammate,\u00a0Nika M\u00fchl<\/a>. She also spoke about her growth as a vocal leader, her chemistry with Fudd dating back to their high school years, and on-court goals that include more threes, more paint touches, and more trips to the free-throw line.<\/p>\n Bueckers emphasized that her priorities in Year 2 center on leadership and on how she can elevate those around her.<\/p>\n \u201cMy number one goal is to be the best teammate I can be, make everyone around me better, and contribute to winning basketball for the Dallas Wings,\u201d Bueckers said. \u201cWe all have that mentality of sacrificing and doing whatever the team needs.\u201d<\/p>\n Alanna Smith<\/p>\n