Cognizant of Azzi Fudd’s Status, Is Stephon Castle’s UConn Huskies Also in Trouble?

UConn basketball players’ tryst with injuries is becoming a new normal. While an injury ended Azzi Fudd’s season this year, it sidelined Ayanna Patterson and Jana El Alfy from the NCAA action. Like female Huskies, the males are also becoming prone to injuries. Three of the Connecticut Huskies’ star players are out with injuries. Of them, Stephon Castle’s situation is the most critical and may suffer a similar fate as Azzi Fudd.

Castle slipped on the floor and damaged his right knee during a win over Stonehill College. The guard did not report the injury that weekend but was forced to miss the court action. His coach told reporters that Castle would be out for two to four weeks following a minor knee surgery this week.

Stephon Castle and an array of injuries

Following their game against Kansas, the UConn men’s basketball team sustained a number of minor injuries. But while head coach Dan Hurley said he expected Stephon Castle to return, three other Huskies would be evaluated for a game against No. 9 North Carolina at Madison Square Garden.

Early in the first half in Lawrence, Cam Spencer, the first Husky to become visibly injured, tweaked his right foot. Hurley revealed that the graduate transfer hurt his left foot before hurting his right big toe during the game. Donovan Clingan and Alex Karaban, both sophomores, are also recovering.

“Steph looks good; we just need to make sure he is feeling good after back-to-back days of live reps. He will have a minute restriction after missing so much time,” said coach Hurley. Castle’s limited return is a significant boost for this wounded Huskies team.

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Castle has 29 points, 13 rebounds, 7 assists, and 4 steals in 43 minutes this season. Even when facing tough opponents like the Tar Heels, he is a top NBA prospect and should have an impact on both ends of the court. But unlike Azzi Fudd, Castle could be seen soon in action.

Azzi Fudd’s concerning injury

According to Coach Geno Auriemma, Azzi Fudd’s latest injury occurred during a practice session when she went up for a shot and felt a sudden pressure on her knee. After further evaluation, it was confirmed that Fudd had suffered an ACL and medial meniscal rupture.

This devastating news meant that Fudd would be out for the remainder of the season, adding to her previous injury setbacks. As a highly touted recruit, Fudd’s absence will undoubtedly be felt by the UConn Huskies as they continue their season without one of their key players.

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In addition to Fudd’s previously reported problems, the 2021 National Player of the Year candidate Paige Bueckers was out for 19 games with a different knee ailment and missed the whole previous season due to an ACL rupture.