Azzi Fudd, the UConn Huskies’ outstanding guard, has officially confirmed her decision to return for a fifth season and forgo the 2025 WNBA Draft.
This move is a big development in the realm of women’s college basketball, especially given Fudd’s projected first-round pick status.
Azzi Fudd’s Decision: Returning to UConn and Forgoing the 2025 WNBA Draft
On March 25, 2025, Fudd took to Instagram to share her decision with fans, captioning a heartfelt post: “Hey Gampel, thanks for last night … See you next year #onemoreyear”.
The post had a carousel of various pictures of her and her family at Gampel Pavilion. This announcement solidifies her commitment to UConn for the 2025–26 season, utilizing her extra year of eligibility granted due to a previous medical redshirt.
Several factors influenced Fudd’s decision to continue at UConn:
- Health and Development: Fudd has suffered multiple injuries during her collegiate career, including a ruptured ACL that sidelined her for the entire 2023-24 season.
By returning, she hopes to enjoy a fully healthy season to demonstrate her abilities and potentially improve her draft stock.
- Financial Implications: Staying in college allows Fudd to continue taking advantage of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities, which can sometimes exceed the earnings of WNBA rookies.
This financial factor is a significant reason to postpone entering the professional league.
- Team Dynamics and Legacy: With colleagues like Paige Bueckers leaving for the WNBA, Fudd now has the opportunity to take on a leadership position and solidify her legacy at UConn.
Her return brings stability and experience for the Huskies as they pursue another national championship.
Fudd’s decision to continue brings depth and experience to the UConn squad, placing the team as a top contender for the upcoming season.
For the WNBA, her absence from the 2025 selection means that teams will have to wait another year to potentially add her to their teams.
However, the delay could benefit Fudd by allowing her to enter the league with more experience and a higher draft rank.
Also Read: Gary Knox’s Iconic Paige Bueckers Tweet Goes Viral After No. 1 WNBA Pick: ‘Best 6th Grade G’
Azzi Fudd’s decision to return to UConn demonstrates a strategic approach to her profession that balances health, finances, and personal development.
As she prepares for the 2025-26 season, fans and analysts will be watching to determine how this decision shapes her basketball career.
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