Azzi Fudd has taken over the well deserved leadership role at UConn after her partner Paige Bueckers’ departure to the WNBA. Coach Geno Auriemma clearly sees Fudd as the most vital piece of his puzzle. Fudd has had her fair share of struggles with injuries, which has been true for her four years of college basketball.
Just like Bueckers, Fudd always had a bright career ahead of her. The duo finally achieved the ultimate feat of college basketball when the UConn Huskies won their 12th title last season.
As Paige Bueckers left for the WNBA, Azzi Fudd became the obvious candidate to lead the Huskies. Along with KK Arnold and Sarah Strong performing at the highest level, UConn are the only unbeaten team in college basketball.
They are 15-0 in conference play and 26-0 overall. However, there have been some doubts over Azzi Fudd’s caliber, potential and her performances. Geno Auriemma recently put an end to it all from his side.
When a reporter asked how Azzi Fudd is a great talent but maybe she is willing to be a lesser player at UConn than she could have been in some other team, Geno Auriemma replied:
“You know, every kid has a personality that kind of guides where they end up. And I think when when Azzi was coming out, obviously, she knew we had a really good team and there were a lot of really good players here, but she’s used to competing at a really high level. So, with somebody like that, you just allow them to do what they’re good at.”
He continued:
“And the only thing that would hold them back as right away as freshman is whether or not mentally they want to carry a bigger load than your average freshman because she’s not an average freshman coming in.
“So, you know, when you add somebody like that to an already really really good team, I think that makes everybody here already that’s already here better and they make her better. So, I think a really good player likes coming here because they are going to be surrounded by really good players and their game’s going to be elevated.”
Fans React to Geno Auriemma Hyping up Azzi Fudd And UConn’s Successful Season so Far
Despite all the conversations surrounding the team, fans continued to praise UConn and Geno Auriemma. The unbeaten season was appreciated, as well as Auriemma’s interview.
“Geno is simply the GOAT,” one fan claimed.
“What a warrior! Despite many injuries and obstacles Azzi Fudd continues to dominate and prove she is great!” another fan praised Fudd.
“This team has deepest bench I’ve seen in years to a point that their second team can beat most team in the NCAA’s.. NOT just in the Big East,” another said.
“UConn is the best,” one fan commented.
“Very good interview. The only thing to stop this incredible UConn team from the National Championship this season would be injuries to key players. I pray they don’t,” another explained.
Read more:
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Azzi Fudd Takes Valentine’s Duty as UConn Staff Receives Special Gift Before Creighton Clash
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