“Just when you think things are looking up, life has a way of throwing a curveball.” That’s certainly Azzi Fudd’s story. After sitting out for much of her sophomore season and then sidelining for an ACL injury, she was finally back. The UConn star was getting back into her groove as she just secured her starting line-up spot back. She even played a key role in the recent 85-52 win over No. 22 Louisville. However, things look bleak again. 

In a scary moment, the senior guard was on the floor in pain after a tough collision with Louisville’s Olivia Cochran. Fudd had just cut off a lane for her teammate Mackenly Randolph when Cochran’s screen caught her off guard. That was enough to send Fudd back to the locker room, clutching her right knee. 

Although she managed to walk off the court on her own and return after a few minutes, the sight of leaving wasn’t exactly reassuring. UConn head coach Geno Auriemma spoke about the moment, saying, “She got herself in an awkward situation. She was walking around fine, it didn’t look like worst-case scenario… We’ll know more when we get back.”

Expressing concern, he added, “I hope I’m right that it’s not that worst-case scenario that we’ve seen so many times before.” And Auriemma’s worry is understandable, given Fudd’s injury history. 

Back in 2022, Fudd suffered a right knee injury during a game against Notre Dame, which led to a three-to-six-week absence. After her return, she re-injured that same knee against Georgetown, forcing her to miss even more time. Then, in November 2023, #35 tore her ACL, sidelining her for the rest of the season. 

It wasn’t until this year’s November when she made her comeback, averaging 8 points and 2.5 rebounds on 46.4% shooting. In just her fifth game back, she delivered 18 points and 3 rebounds. Even this season, she has been constantly facing medical issues unrelated to her knee, but impactful nonetheless.

Every game brings a new challenge for Azzi Fudd

Fudd struggled with stomach issues during the Holy Cross game. Though less alarming than her knee troubles, it was another roadblock for the star guard. “Azzi’s been battling some stomach issues yesterday and today,” the HC revealed in the post-game conference. 

“It was a game-time decision whether she was going to play at all. So we were monitoring her minutes really really well and how she was.” Despite limited minutes, Fudd managed 7 points and a rebound. Her minutes were carefully managed. Thankfully, Sarah Strong stepped up in a big way, scoring 22 points as UConn cruised to an 88-52 win, keeping up the winning streak.

While UConn continues to dominate, the focus remains on Azzi’s health. She’s set to enter the WNBA draft this year, and fans hope she can put her injury woes behind her. We know she has the talent, but with her injury history, staying on the court will be the key to seeing her unleash her full potential. Let’s hope for the best as we await an update on the injury.