The UConn Huskies basketball program is known to have produced some of the best talents in the game so far. From Sue Bird, Diana Taurasi, Tina Charles, to Paige Bueckers and Azzi Fudd, all of these stars have blossomed to be hoopers at the highest level under the watchful guidance of coaching maestro Geno Auriemma.
The current generation of Huskies aspire and look up to these players, which explains why they were the latest topic of discussion in Azzi Fudd’s recent podcast episode featuring Ashanti Plummer and Napheesa Collier.
Fudd and Minnesota Lynx star Napheesa Collier were asked to choose their pick for one-on-one situations between former UConn greats. At first, Collier was asked to choose who would win in a one-on-one between Bria Hartley and Tip Hayes. Both Collier and Fudd chose Tip Hayes for this one.
Next, they were asked to choose between Sue Bird and Tip Hayes for a one-on-one matchup. Surprisingly, both Collier and Fudd chose Hayes over Sue Bird, who is often hailed as one of the greatest point guards in basketball history. Reasoning this, Collier said,
“PROBABLY TIP HAYES, SHE’S SO FAST.”
After this, Collier and Fudd were asked to choose between Tip Hayes and Paige Bueckers. For this, Collier went with Bueckers because she didn’t want Paige to be “mad” at her. Fudd also agreed, saying, “I guess…” But next up, when it came to choosing between Bueckers and Tina Charles, Collier seemed slightly perplexed.
Charles, in her prime, averaged over 18 points and 10 rebounds per game and was known as the ‘double-double machine.’ A nine-time All-Star, she has led the WNBA twice in scoring and four times in rebounding. She is one of the most decorated centers in WNBA history, known for her elite scoring and consistent rebounding throughout her career. For this, Collier chose Charles over Bueckers.
“I THINK TINA WOULD WIN. SHE’S TOO BIG…TINA WAS A BEAST,” SAID COLLIER.
Geno Auriemma Has Full Faith in the Developmental Potential of Azzi Fudd
Azzi Fudd has undergone a significant mental transformation this season. Coach Geno Auriemma, as per a CBS article, noted that Fudd is no longer playing tentatively to avoid mistakes. Instead, she is now exhibiting confidence to be in the right spot at the right time off the ball. This evolution from just playing in the offense to becoming a two-way threat makes her stand out as a prospect for the 2026 WNBA Draft. Many even believe the Dallas Wings might pick her as the No.1 overall pick.
Auriemma has shown similar high praise for Fudd’s former teammate, Paige Bueckers, who was selected No. 1 overall by Dallas in 2025. He famously declared Bueckers “the best player in America,” emphasizing that her impact goes beyond just scoring. Auriemma often highlights her versatility and selfless leadership, stating,
“WHATEVER YOU NEED HER TO DO, SHE’S GOING TO DO IT.”
He has also expressed deep personal respect for her resilience through injuries, once remarking, “She just is the most incredibly positive human being I’ve ever been around.”
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