As the weeks go by, Azzi Fudd is making more of an impact in her debut WNBA season. When the first WNBA All-Star fan vote returns were announced, Fudd placed fifth among all backcourt players and No. 11 overall.
When WNBA writer Melissa Triebwasser caught up with Fudd on Wednesday to discuss this development, the Dallas Wings guard expressed her appreciation for the sizable number of votes she garnered.
“That’s an incredible honor. To be recognized in this league means a lot, especially as a rookie…I didn’t know that, but that just means a lot.”
Fudd added that it’s been “amazing” to feel the support of fans at home and on the road alike.
“We feel the love and recognition from the fans every single game we play… The atmosphere has been amazing… Our fans are amazing.”
After a less-than-ideal start to the season, the former UConn star has started to showcase her scoring prowess. Fudd has been in the starting lineup since May 28, and over the past three games, she has averaged 18.0 points on 56.4% shooting.
If Fudd continues torching the nets on a consistent basis, there’s good reason to think that she’ll attract more votes and inch closer to becoming an All-Star starter.
Only four guards will earn an outright spot on the starting lineup in this event, and in the first returns, Fudd trailed Kelsey Mitchell by just over 22,000 votes. Topping all voters were A’ja Wilson (308,249 votes), Paige Bueckers (298,027 votes), Aliyah Boston (282,186 votes), Breanna Stewart (255,879 votes), and Caitlin Clark (253,602 votes).
Aside from the fans, players and media also have a say in determining the starting fives for the All-Star Game. At this point, Fudd has more time left to sway voters in this regard.
The WNBA All-Star Game takes place July 25 at Chicago’s United Center.
Wings HC Praises Azzi Fudd for Starting to Thrive as Three-Level Scorer
Ahead of the Wings-Valkyries game on Wednesday, Wings head coach Jose Fernandez was asked to comment on Azzi Fudd’s growth as a playmaker. Fernandez referenced Fudd’s performance in a 96-66 win over the Las Vegas Aces to illustrate his point.
“She attacked the rim off the bounce, and she got to her midrange. Of course, everybody knows what threat she is from the three-point line.”
Fernandez also praised Fudd for moving well without the ball and reading what the defense is giving her on a nightly basis.
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