Azzi Fudd, a standout player for UConn, delivered an impressive performance, scoring 17 points to lead the No. 2-seeded Huskies to a decisive 91-57 victory over the No. 10-seeded South Dakota State Jackrabbits in the NCAA Tournament’s second round on Monday night.
In a recent announcement, UConn confirmed that Fudd has opted to forgo the 2025 WNBA Draft and will instead return for another year of collegiate basketball at Storrs, addressing speculations regarding her eligibility and future plans.
Azzi Fudd’s Remarkable Season
Despite facing numerous season-ending injuries throughout her time at UConn, Fudd has managed to maintain her health this season, forming a dynamic partnership with Paige Bueckers as they lead the Huskies’ pursuit of their first national championship since 2016.
Fudd is experiencing a career-best season, currently averaging 13.4 points per game with an impressive shooting percentage of 48.6% from the field and 45.3% from three-point range. Additionally, she contributes 2.0 rebounds and 1.8 assists per game. Her performance earned her spots on the All-Big East first team and the Big East All-Tournament Team last week.
Given the interruptions in her college career due to injuries, discussions about her future have been prevalent. Former UConn star Sue Bird weighed in on this topic during a recent episode of the “Touch More”podcast, exploring the possibility of Fudd either staying in school or turning professional.
“This is how I would break it down. .. because of injuries, she didn’t actually play a lot of college games,”Bird remarked. “All of her seasons have essentially been cut short in some way, shape or form. So, is that a reason to stay? But you could also make the argument that because of injuries, you want to start your professional career sooner. That’s just one take.”
Bird further elaborated on the increasing importance of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals versus potential professional contracts, a growing concern for student-athletes following the House vs. NCAA settlement.
“So, money might not dictate this decision, meaning, usually turning pro could mean more money,”Bird explained. “If she stays, she enters the WNBA in 2025, aka the new CBA era, aka the new money era. But I do think you’d make more money as a pro on and off the court — and you don’t have to go to class.”
In a similar vein, last year, Fudd’s close friend Paige Bueckers made the choice to extend her college career by one year but is expected to declare for the draft this time around. The two will face off against the No. 3-seeded Oklahoma Sooners next in their Sweet 16 matchup, vying for a coveted spot in the Elite Eight.