Dallas Wings Training Camp Opens with Emphasis on Aggression, Leadership

No. 1 pick Azzi Fudd, second-year star Paige Bueckers, and new signing Alanna Smith discuss their roles under first-year head coach Jose Fernandez.

Apr. 19, 2026 at 8:30pm

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A fractured, multi-perspective painting depicting a basketball practice scene, with the players' movements and actions broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes and planes in a cubist style, capturing the energy and intensity of the Dallas Wings' training camp.The Dallas Wings' new-look roster and coaching staff come together in a cubist-inspired illustration, reflecting the team's focus on aggressive, team-first play during the opening days of training camp.Arlington Today

The Dallas Wings opened their 2026 training camp with a focus on communication, pace, and establishing standards under new head coach Jose Fernandez. No. 1 overall pick Azzi Fudd, second-year guard Paige Bueckers, and newly signed forward Alanna Smith were among the 17 players who participated in the first of 15 scheduled practices ahead of the May 9 regular season opener.

Why it matters

The Wings are looking to build on a promising 2025 season that saw them return to the playoffs. Fernandez's emphasis on aggression, leadership, and team-first play could set the tone for a young core aiming to take the next step, led by Bueckers and the highly touted Fudd.

The details

Fernandez instructed Fudd to prioritize hunting her shot, noting that her aggression 'opens things up for everyone else.' Bueckers, entering her second WNBA season, detailed an offseason focused on leadership and physical growth, including time with USA Basketball and Unrivaled training. Smith, signed this offseason after earning WNBA Co-Defensive Player of the Year honors, discussed her excitement about a 'higher-usage' offensive role in Dallas' new-look frontcourt.

  • The Dallas Wings opened training camp on Sunday, April 19, 2026.
  • The Wings' regular season opener is scheduled for May 9, 2026.

The players

Jose Fernandez

The first-year head coach of the Dallas Wings, known for his emphasis on communication, pace, and establishing standards.

Azzi Fudd

The No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft, who was instructed by Fernandez to prioritize her aggression and shot-hunting mentality.

Paige Bueckers

The second-year guard for the Dallas Wings, who detailed an offseason focused on leadership and physical growth, including time with USA Basketball and Unrivaled training.

Alanna Smith

The newly signed forward for the Dallas Wings, who discussed her excitement about a 'higher-usage' offensive role in the team's new-look frontcourt.

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What they’re saying

“'Great players want to be told the truth. My 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.'”

— Jose Fernandez, Head Coach, Dallas Wings

“'My 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. We all have that mentality of sacrificing and doing whatever the team needs.'”

— Paige Bueckers, Guard, Dallas Wings

“'If I'm passing up open shots, the defense can play off me. But if I'm a threat, they have to guard me and respect me, and it opens things up for other people. So when I look at it that way, instead of thinking I'm just taking a bunch of shots, it helps me keep that team mindset.'”

— Azzi Fudd, Forward, Dallas Wings

What’s next

The Dallas Wings will continue their training camp schedule, leading up to their regular season opener against the Indiana Fever on May 9, 2026.

The takeaway

The Dallas Wings are laying the foundation for a promising 2026 season under new head coach Jose Fernandez, with a focus on developing their young core of Paige Bueckers and Azzi Fudd, while also integrating new additions like Alanna Smith. The team's emphasis on aggression, leadership, and team-first play could be the key to unlocking their potential and returning to the playoffs.