ARLINGTON, Texas — Azzi Fudd hasn’t stopped smiling since Monday night. The former UConn guard was selected No. 1 overall by the Dallas Wings in the 2026 WNBA Draft, the culmination of a five-year college career that tested her patience, her body, and at times, her belief in what was still possible.
After her introductory press conference in Dallas, Fudd shared info with Fox 4’s Sam Gannon about the road to the top of the draft, which was anything but linear. She credits the experience for shaping her into the player she is now after persevering through rehab stints and setbacks, including tearing her ACL/MCL in high school, having a serious foot injury at UConn, and having a season-ending ACL/meniscus tear in college.
“There were times during my college career and my rehab processes when I had doubts and wondered if I would make it back to playing or be as good as I was,” Fudd told Fox 4. “It definitely felt full circle with lots of gratitude. I’m just so blessed and grateful that they believed in me and picked me.”
Azzi Fudd Rejoins Forces with Paige Bueckers
As a result of Fudd’s college career being repeatedly interrupted by injuries that kept her off the floor, it limited the time she and fellow UConn star Paige Bueckers could share on the court. However, the success was evident in two Final Four appearances and a national championship.
The reunion with Bueckers, the Wings’ 2025 No. 1 overall pick, is one Fudd has been pointing toward since the moment her name was called. Bueckers is already coming off a Rookie of the Year campaign that also ended with an All-WNBA Second-Team nod, averaging 19.2 points, 3.9 rebounds, 5.4 assists, and 1.6 steals.
“I mentioned that we barely got time on the court together, and when we did, you saw what happened,” Fudd said. “With her and the rest of this incredible roster the front office put together, I can’t wait to get on the court and learn how to play with all these other women.”
WNBA Adjustment After Leaving UConn
Fudd capped off her collegiate career with a third Final Four appearance. She ended her career with a career-best season, averaging 17.7 points while shooting 48.9% from the floor, 45.5% on 3-pointers, and 95.5% on free throws. She also averaged 2.6 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 2.5 steals, and 0.5 blocks, while turning it over only 1.5 times per game.
Geno Auriemma’s parting advice, Fudd said, centered on the transition from college to the professional level and the mindset required to navigate it.
“He tells us how it’s a bubble at UConn — it’s hard, but they take care of us — and here you’re on your own,” Fudd said. “So go in, learn, and have a foundation of what you want to do. He and all the coaches taught me so much in my five years there that I feel very prepared.”
For a player whose path to the top of the draft was at times nearly derailed by injuries, Monday night’s moment carried a weight that reached past the pick itself.
“I’m so happy to be here,” Fudd said.
Fudd begins her first WNBA training camp on Sunday.
