DHJ Quick Take: The Survival of the Fittest<\/p>\n
The Logistical Headache: Curt Miller described the offseason as \u201crelentless,\u201d and that energy carries into camp. With at least five players arriving late due to international duties\u2014including Costanza Verona\u2014the early days of camp will require Jose Fernandez to install his new system with a revolving door of personnel.<\/p>\n
International Pedigree: The fact that Costanza Verona is arriving mid-Scudetto finals and Dulcy Fankam Mendjiadeu is coming off a Serbian Cup title shows the level of talent Dallas is bringing in just for backups. This isn\u2019t a \u201clook-see\u201d camp; it\u2019s a EuroLeague-caliber environment.<\/p>\n
The \u201cNever Done\u201d Mentality: Miller\u2019s comment that the roster is \u201cnever done\u201d signals to the 21 women in Arlington that complacency is not an option. Expect a highly physical camp where defensive versatility and \u201cterminological\u201d quickness determine who makes the flight to Indiana on May 9.<\/p>\n
ARLINGTON, Texas \u2014\u00a0The Dallas Wings<\/a> open training camp as early as April 19 with a large and talent-rich group \u2014 and one of the most complicated logistics challenges the organization has ever navigated.<\/p>\n Dallas has assembled over 20 players for training camp. Under the new CBA, WNBA teams are required to carry a mandatory minimum of 12 players on their regular season roster, with the option to add up to 2 developmental spots. That means potentially eight players currently in the Dallas training camp pool will not remain with the organization, making this one of the most competitive camps possible.<\/p>\n Adding to the complexity, sources tell Dallas Hoops Journal<\/a> that at least five players are expected to arrive late due to international obligations and immigration procedures, with between 16 and 17 players anticipated in Dallas on day one of camp.<\/p>\n General manager Curt Miller acknowledged the situation Monday night after the draft.<\/p>\n \u201cSome international players will arrive late, so we\u2019re continuing to work even after this call,\u201d Miller said. \u201cIt\u2019s still not done \u2014 we\u2019re trying to get players to training camp as soon as we get off this call. It\u2019s been relentless work.\u201d<\/p>\n The Full Dallas Wings Training Camp Roster<\/p>\n Here is every player expected in Dallas for training camp:<\/p>\n Guards <\/p>\n Additionally, ESPN reported Odyssey Sims<\/a> is another player the Wings are signing for training camp. However, the move has not been made official yet, but Dallas Hoops Journal<\/a> will have updates as they come.<\/p>\n Wings<\/p>\n Bigs<\/p>\n The Roster Math<\/p>\n With over 20 players competing for 12 guaranteed spots \u2014 and potentially two developmental slots \u2014 Dallas faces a significant roster crunch before the May 9 opener against the Indiana Fever.<\/p>\n The Wings\u2019 established core of Bueckers, Fudd, Ogunbowale, Smith, Shepard, Maddy Siegrist, James, Quinerly, Berger, Kuier, Li Yueru, and Rayah Marshall accounts for 12 players on its own \u2014 meaning every training camp invitee is competing for developmental spots or attempting to displace a returner.<\/p>\n Who\u2019s Expected to Arrive Late<\/p>\n It ultimately remains to be seen who will be among the late arrivals. However, Dallas did target various international players who could be in that position. For example, Italian national team point guard Costanza Verona is still competing in the Italian Scudetto finals with\u00a0EuroLeague\u00a0powerhouse\u00a0Schio. <\/p>\n