“Even though Paige is my best friend, she is one of the most annoying people ever,” Azzi Fudd once shared in an interview. For Fudd, Paige Bueckers has been like “a thousand siblings,” and with her, everything turns into a “competition.” That’s how close Fudd and Bueckers are off the court. While Bueckers also shares the same feelings, the 23-year-old appears to be leaning toward another player on the team for the upcoming season.

It’s none other than the rising star, Allie Ziebell. During her final Big East Media Day, Bueckers sat down with SNY reporter Chelsea Sherrod to share her thoughts ahead of the championship run. When asked who among the incoming freshmen and the returning players has stood out in the offseason, Bueckers said, “I think a sleeper pick is probably Allie Ziebell. I think she’s like a silent assassin.” Why Ziebell?

Averaging 27.5 points and 8.7 rebounds as a senior in high school, Ziebell is undoubtedly a force to be reckoned with. According to Bueckers, Ziebell shares many similarities with Caroline Ducharme. “In terms of how they come in as freshmen—fearless, confident, just having a knack for scoring,” added the Huskies star. While her reasoning is understandable, Bueckers choosing her over the returning Fudd is a little surprising.

After a good sophomore year where she averaged 15.1 points, 1.9 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game, Azzi Fudd tore her right ACL, missing her junior year. Moreover, Fudd and Bueckers have been best friends for a long time, often sharing hilarious clips on TikTok. But regarding the most impactful player for the upcoming season, Bueckers seems to be right.

As a highly rated recruit, Ziebell, now stepping into the Huskies’ 2024-25 roster, stands out as one of the best long-range shooters. With her 5-foot-10 frame, the Wisconsin native is poised to provide strong support to Paige Bueckers as she embarks on her final collegiate season.

Allie Ziebell overshadowed Paige Bueckers & Co. on First Night event

While Bueckers didn’t mention Azzi Fudd, the rising star Ziebell took inspiration from her. At UConn’s First Night event, Ziebell electrified the crowd, igniting excitement among fans and her teammates. Joining the likes of Bueckers, Caroline Ducharme, and Fudd, she buried shot after shot in an exhilarating three-point contest.

Ziebell’s performance was nothing short of spectacular, as she finished with the top score from beyond the arc. Partnering with men’s team standout Jayden Ross, the 19-year-old made 11 of 12 attempts, including a streak of eight consecutive three-pointers. Unbelievable, right? That’s how she led the Blue Team to victory in the co-ed contest. But she didn’t stop there.

After the shooting frenzy, she stunned everyone by sinking a remarkable logo shot right before the quarter ended. Having spent the entire summer with the team, honing her understanding of UConn’s game strategy, Ziebell is highly anticipated to make a swift impact. Even Paige Bueckers, who’s under immense pressure to lead a championship run, believes that. But, will she be able to help Bueckers in her last NCAA season?