Azzi Fudd planning on returning to UConn in 2024-25

UConn women’s basketball star Azzi Fudd recently announced her decision to return to Storrs for another season instead of entering the WNBA Draft. In a video shared on ESPN’s Rebecca Lobo’s X account, Fudd expressed her intent to stay, highlighting the appeal of the basketball capital of the world.

Speculation arose due to Fudd’s eligibility for the 2024 WNBA draft. As a junior at UConn, the 5-11 guard is highly regarded as one of the nation’s best shooters, averaging 13.3 points, 2.4 rebounds, 1.3 assists, and 1.1 steals over the past two seasons. Fudd’s remarkable shooting ability is evidenced by her 43 percent accuracy from beyond the arc and 45.7 percent overall in the previous season.

Fudd’s accolades extend beyond her shooting skills. She was named to the preseason All-Big East team and is part of the 20-player watch list for the Cheryl Miller Award, an honor bestowed upon the top shooting guard in the country.

Despite enduring injuries, including a foot injury during her freshman year and knee injuries in the prior season, Fudd has consistently dazzled on the court.

Fudd’s decision has led to speculation about her backcourt partner Paige Bueckers. Bueckers, who missed the previous season due to a torn ACL, also possesses one more year of eligibility after the current season. If she chooses to enter the WNBA Draft, she is likely to be a top pick. (ESPN’s 2024 Mock Draft ranks her at No. 2, trailing only Iowa guard Caitlin Clark). With Bueckers listed as a redshirt junior and having completed three years of classes, UConn fans eagerly await her decision.

As Bueckers stated in June, she has learned not to predict the future and prefers to remain focused on the present. Her return to UConn next season remains uncertain.