After 728 long days, Azzi Fudd is back on the biggest stage in college basketball. But while the UConn Huskies chase another national championship, a different battle is playing out behind the scenes—the decision that could change Fudd’s career forever. Will she declare for the 2025 WNBA Draft, or will she return for another season in Storrs? Fudd has kept her decision close to the vest, dodging direct questions. Her more recent answer seemed like yet another attempt at that. But was there more to her words?

During a recent interview with ESPN’s Elle Duncan, when the star guard was pressed about her future, Fudd’s response was a tactical sidestep: “Um, I feel like I’ve been doing a great job of staying present. … I’m just excited and focused on what’s ahead, and I’ll make the decision when I need to with the coaches, my family. But right now, I’m just focused on Saturday.”

You might feel that she gave yet another no-comment. But honestly, what else do you expect? This decision isn’t as easy as it seems. Her time at UConn has been anything but smooth. Coming in as the No. 1 high school recruit in 2021, expectations were sky-high.

But instead of dominating from day one, Fudd has spent much of her college career battling injuries. A foot injury cost her 11 games as a freshman. A knee injury sidelined her for 22 more in her sophomore season. And last year? A devastating ACL and meniscal tear ended her season just two games in.

Now, in her fourth year at UConn, Fudd has finally found some rhythm. Her growth is undeniable, both on and off the court. Those around her see it. They know she’s still just scratching the surface of what she can become. And that’s where the dilemma comes in. But she has already made a decision.

According to NCAA rules, she had 48 hours after UConn’s final game of the postseason to announce her decision. And while she might not be saying much publicly, those closest to her have hinted at the weight of the moment.

“Her motto all year is staying present in what’s happening right now,” Fudd’s father, Tim, told CT Insider. “It’s not a priority at this point in time to focus on that when they have an opportunity to do some really good things. … It’s bittersweet for me. If this was the end, it’s sad to say that UConn probably didn’t see the best of Azzi, and the best of her game is still yet to come.” That last line sticks. The best of her game is still yet to come.

Whether she enters this year’s draft or waits until 2026, one thing is certain—Fudd will be a first-round pick. Her elite shooting, smooth ball-handling, and ability to battle through adversity make her a valuable asset to any team. But if she stays at UConn? She’d be part of a growing trend of Huskies choosing to take full advantage of their extra year.

Dorka Juhász walked for Senior Day in both 2022 and 2023. Last year, Paige Bueckers and Aubrey Griffin did the same before announcing their return. Could Fudd be next? So far in her career, she’s played in 66 games with 49 starts. But those numbers don’t tell the full story of a player who has fought through injury after injury just to get back on the floor.

This season, she made her much-anticipated return in UConn’s fourth game. A few weeks later, another knee sprain forced her to miss more time. Still, she bounced back, determined to make an impact. And when it comes to her decision? It’s starting to feel like she’s leaning toward staying.

Geno Auriemma has a strategic route for Azzi Fuud

Back in October 2023, when ESPN analyst Rebecca Lobo asked Azzi Fudd about her future plans, her response was confident and unwavering: “I plan on staying. Why would I want to leave the basketball capital of the world?” At the time, there was no hesitation. No second-guessing. Fudd seemed fully committed to finishing her college career in Storrs.

But fast forward to 2025, and her stance seems a little less certain. During UConn’s Senior Day on March 2, Fudd acknowledged the emotions of the moment—but in classic fashion, she tried her best to push them aside: “No feels, I’m in denial. I’m actually not thinking about it at all. Hopefully, I’m gonna stay in denial until after the game, and then the emotions can come out. But I’m trying my hardest to not think about it.”

That’s the thing, though—just because she doesn’t want to think about it doesn’t mean others aren’t. And if Fudd won’t give a straight answer, her head coach might have done it for her. Since, Auriemma has seen it all—generational talent, tough decisions, and the weight of expectations, he made a compelling argument for why staying an extra year might be the smartest move.

“Besides, if she stays one more year, she’ll make more money next year when she goes into the draft,” Auriemma said. It all comes down to timing. The WNBA’s upcoming collective bargaining agreement is set to change the financial landscape of the league, with better contracts and bigger payday. It’s a strategic move—one that could benefit Fudd tremendously.

But, let’s not forget: Fudd is one of the most marketable athletes in college basketball. An extra season at UConn means another year to maximize her NIL earnings. With her brand power, staying in school for one more year could allow her to cash in now and still enter the WNBA in an even stronger position next season.

So, will she stick to what she said back in 2023? Or has time—and the bigger picture—changed her thinking?