In March 2025, Azzi Fudd shocked everyone with her decision to return to UConn for her final year of college. Despite being eligible for the WNBA Draft and likely being a top draft pick, Fudd decided to stay back and make another run at the national title.
Next year, she will have even more buzz around her name as fans will speculate which team she will join. Most would wish to see her with the Dallas Wings, so she can reunite with her Huskies teammate and girlfriend, Paige Bueckers.
However, as per D1 coach Ramaundo, assistant Women’s Basketball Coach at Fresno State University, Fudd shouldn’t go to Dallas. Ramaundo has some bias for the team he is rooting for in this scenario, and he let it be known on X with a post.
“I’m excited for @azzi_35 to play her final college season, but still gonna speak into existence that she’s gonna suit up next summer for the @valkyries,” he wrote in his post alongside a picture with the UConn star.
“I’m a @FresnoStateWBB bulldog, and she’s a @UConnWBB husky. Dogs gonna hunt!! Let’s go!!”
I’m excited for @azzi_35 to play her final college season, but still gonna speak into existence that she’s gonna suit up next summer for the @valkyries! I’m a @FresnoStateWBB bulldog, and she’s a @UConnWBB husky. Dogs gonna hunt!! Let’s go!! pic.twitter.com/e0cB8QtUEw
— Ramaundo (@CoachRVaughn) August 16, 2025
Fudd will likely be a top 3 pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft. She will be competing against Lauren Betts and Olivia Miles for the top spot. As per Bleacher Report’s Mock Draft from May 2025, Fudd will be the third overall pick and will likely join the Minnesota Lynx.
As of now, it’s all mere speculation. However, the idea of Fudd reuniting with Bueckers has been exciting for their fans over the last few months. It wouldn’t be a surprise if the Wings try their level best to land Fudd.
Even outside of them being former teammates and their personal relations, Fudd is one of the best players in the country. Any team would be happy to make the necessary move for her.
Geno Auriemma helped Azzi Fudd make her decision
There was a lot of buzz around Fudd entering the WNBA Draft this year. Her fans were excited, and WNBA teams were on the lookout for the final word. However, Fudd decided to give one more year to the Huskies. It was later revealed that a conversation with Auriemma helped her make the decision.
As per ESPN, when Fudd talked to Auriemma about her future plans, he assured her that she would have his support regardless of her final call. However, the veteran coach felt like Fudd had one more year to give to the Huskies.
“He said, ‘I would say 10 games, maybe, you’ve played to your full potential of who Azzi Fudd really is, and so you wouldn’t do yourself justice leaving,” Fudd recalled her conversation with Auriemma. “You would leave here not doing what you could in a UConn uniform.’ I was like, ‘Yeah, he has a point.’”
Hoping for an injury-free year, Auriemma told ESPN that he was very happy with Fudd’s decision to stay. In his 41 seasons with the UConn Huskies, Geno Auriemma has coached some of the best players in women’s basketball history. When it’s all said and done, Fudd will likely have a place on that list.
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Azzi Fudd Reveals Girlfriend Paige Bueckers’ Sweet Tradition Dating Back to High School
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