Many thought this was the last dance for UConn’s dynamic backcourt duo of Azzi Fudd and Paige Bueckers. While the latter has signalled her intentions of entering the upcoming WNBA draft, the other half of the deadly backcourt has had other ideas. In news that thrilled Huskies fans, Fudd announced she’s coming back to Storrs for her final year. But why stay when she could’ve been a first-round pick? The guard revealed the reason.

In an interview with ESPN’s Alexa Philippou, the star guard revealed that it was a conversation with veteran HC Geno Auriemma that made her realize that she had a lot more to learn and give back. One more year at Storrs could elevate her draft stock as well. More importantly, it gives her the satisfaction of knowing she gave her everything.

“He said, ‘I would say 10 games, maybe, you’ve played to your full potential of who Azzi Fudd really is and so you wouldn’t do yourself justice leaving,'” Fudd recalls him saying. “You would leave here not doing what you could in a UConn uniform.’ I was like, ‘Yeah, he has a point.'” Auriemma was brutally honest, as always!

Azzi Fudd arrived at UConn in 2021 as the No. 1 recruit from St. John’s College. Her talent? Never in question. Just ask Stephen Curry. “I think [Fudd] has more of a textbook jumper than anyone I’ve seen,” said the greatest shooter of all time about the 5’11” guard. Her talent was always there to be seen, but injuries were always in the way.

In 2020, disaster struck. Playing in the U.S. U18 3×3 championship final, she tore her ACL and MCL. It required two different surgeries to get it repaired, and those problems have continued with her in college as well. Four seasons in, she’s played just 72 games. Only 17 in the last two years! This year’s March Madness also happens to be her first since 2023.

Azzi Fudd’s decision makes perfect sense. She’s yet to replicate her sophomore year’s stats where she averaged 15.1 points while snatching double-digits in 11 games. It’s only natural to feel there’s more to learn, more to prove. For now, her focus will be completely on bringing back the championship to Storrs!

What’s next for Azzi Fudd and co?

For the first time in years, Geno Auriemma has a fully healthy squad. No setbacks. No missing pieces. Yet! After falling to South Carolina in the 2022 championship game and making an unexpected Final Four run last year, UConn has one goal. A championship. The perfect sendoff for their senior players—Paige Bueckers and Aubrey Griffin.

Fudd has made a career-high 30 appearances so far this season. She was influential in the big dance as well! She dropped a career-high 27 points in the first round against Arkansas State. But it didn’t stop there! She dropped another 17 in the second-round win over South Dakota State.

The Huskies, as a result, have comfortably danced till Sweet 16. Next stop? Spokane Arena. A showdown with #3-seeded Oklahoma Sooners. ESPN isn’t betting against them. After all, the Huskies are heavy favorites. They have a high chance to reach the Elite Eight. Stranger things have happened in this competition, but the confidence is high in the Huskies locker room. They are definitely one of the favorites to win the championship this season. Do you agree? Stay tuned for more updates!