“Came out of Retirement”: Fans Rejoice as Azzi Fudd’s “Comeback” with Paige Bueckers Steals Hearts

Despite an injury-stricken season, the UConn Huskies had an inspired run in the 2024 NCAA tournament. With the help of some impactful players like Aaliyah Edwards and Nika Muhl, star guard Paige Bueckers led an incredible March Madness campaign for UConn. Now, as both these players have turned pro, Bueckers might find it challenging to maintain the standards next season. Nonetheless, one of the brightest prospects in their program, Azzi Fudd, is showing signs of a comeback and fans couldn’t be happier.

The No.35 has been out of action since November last year due to a torn right ACL. Both Bueckers and Fudd attended the recent 2024 WNBA draft at the Brooklyn Academy of Music. They were there to extend their love and support to Edwards and Muhl for the evening. While there were many memorable moments from the night, Bueckers and Fudd’s TikTok got fans talking.

A TikTok video featuring both is going viral speculating a return for the 2021 Morgan Wootten Player of the Year. In the video, the two guards are seen grooving to DJ DJ Smallz 732’s track Boogie Down (Make Her Dance).

Bueckers is seen donning an all-white Louis Vuitton dress, accessorizing it with a $3,466 LV sling bag. Meanwhile, the 21-year-old Fudd was in salmon pink wide-legged trousers along with a white cropped top and a jacket. The video clearly shows that the 5 ft 11 in guard is in perfect shape and is ready to take the court as soon as she can.

Following this, reactions have been pouring in, reflecting the excitement of fans regarding her comeback.

Fans cheer “Go girls!!” for the UConn duo

Soon after the video started to gain traction, fans wasted no time in expressing their elation at seeing both of them together. Some fans were excited to see Bueckers and Fudd share the floor for the first time since Fudd tore her ACL in November last year. “AZZI CAME OUT OF RETIREMENT TODAY IS A GOOD DAY,” and “The comeback is on!!”

Another fan humorously prayed for both of them to stay fit for one season together, writing, “Now if you two could just stay healthy together for one season !!” Fudd joined her good friend at the Huskies in 2021. That season, Bueckers faced multiple injuries and played just 17 games. The next season, Bueckers ruptured her ACL and missed the entire year. And then in 2023-24, it was Fudd who had a season-ending injury.

Further, one of their Instagram followers termed Fudd “The original dancing queen with Paige” and also issued a warning regarding the trio of Bueckers, Fudd, and freshman KK Arnold. The comment read, “Azzi …. The original dancing queen with Paige !! Watch out next year for the trio with KK.”

Another warning was made to the teams on how this combination can be a trouble for everyone next year.“This is going to be double trouble next year!!!” In her sophomore year, Fudd averaged 15.1 points and 1.9 assists per game. On the other hand, Bueckers made a stunning comeback from injury this season, averaging 21.9 points and 5.2 rebounds per game. With both of them set for bigger roles after the departure of Edwards and Muhl, fans are expecting something big.

Indeed, it will be a delight for the fans to see both of them play together on the court. With all the seniors embarking on their new journeys, Paige Bueckers needs much-needed support in her final season at UConn. Undeniably, Fudd is the most qualified player on the roster who can match the 6 ft guard’s standards. But can she reach the level she was at before the injury? Only time will tell.