Sometimes, the toughest challenges become manageable when you’ve got a best friend by your side. And for the UConn Huskies, who’ve been chasing a championship since 2016, that friendship might just be the key to breaking the drought. UConn’s roster boasts a dynamic duo in Azzi Fudd and Paige Bueckers. For anyone doubting their chemistry or commitment, Bueckers’ birthday wish to Fudd validates their confidence — and hints that Fudd’s return could be right around the corner.

Yesterday, UConn Huskies guard Azzi Fudd celebrated her 22nd birthday, and her social media lit up with warm wishes from her teammates. But the standout post came from her best friend, Paige Bueckers. She shared a heartfelt, three-slide series on her Instagram story, each highlighting the tight-knit bond they share. The second slide, however, was the one to spark real excitement—it’s where Bueckers hinted at her fierce intentions for this season.

“OH AND LETS GET IT 🤪,” wrote UConn’s redshirt senior, captioning a four-photo collage of her and Azzi Fudd from past team media days, decked out in the Huskies’ white and blue. The message was loud and clear—Bueckers has no intention of letting the championship slip through their fingers this season, Fudd right by her side.

The other two slides showcased a mix of candid shots from Bueckers’ private gallery, capturing off-court memories of the close friends. One slide was affectionately captioned, “Happy Birthday to the precious princess 💗,” while another featured solo shots of Fudd with the playful note, “stay silly girl 🤪.” 

Despite Bueckers’ eagerness to make magic happen with  UConn’s #35 guard, Fudd, has yet to make an appearance for Geno Auriemma’s squad this season. However, between Bueckers’ enthusiastic rallying and recent updates from both the coaching staff and Fudd herself, it looks like her return to the court could be just around the corner.

Azzi Fudd’s anticipated return: A Final Shot at glory with Paige Bueckers?

Unlike Bueckers, it’s not clear whether Fudd, another UConn senior, will enter WNBA draft next year or choose to stay at Harry A. Gampel Pavilion for one more season. Either way, she’s undoubtedly eager to hit the court this year, as it could be her last chance to play alongside her best friend. With an injury-riddled college career, Fudd hasn’t shared the floor with Bueckers as much as she’d hoped. Last season, an ACL injury cut her season short after just three games, but now, a return looks promising.

“Azzi will probably be back sooner than anyone else. Azzi, I’m thinking, certainly she won’t be ready the first week of November, even the second week of November. But before we get into the biggest, most important part of our schedule. Keeping my fingers crossed,” the UConn head coach Geno Auriemma had commented on Fudd’s status earlier last month when NCAA tip off was month away. Fast forward to now, and the Huskies have already kicked off their season with two games under their belt, both ending in victory in the first week.

This week, UConn has just one game lined up—facing off against North Carolina on November 15. But if Coach Auriemma’s predictions hold true, fans might finally see the just-turned-22 Azzi Fudd back in action when the Huskies take on Fair Dickinson on November 20.. “I’m feeling really good, feeling strong, so I’m excited,” Fudd herself had said in late October which means it won’t be long before she joins, Paige Bueckers, in their shared mission to bring a championship back to UConn.