UConn Suffer Huge Blow as Unsettled Azzi Fudd’s Knee Injury Sparks Paige Bueckers’ Concerns

Paige Bueckers, star freshman Sarah Strong, and Azzi Fudd. The trio quickly cemented themselves as one of the best in the country, even with just five games under their belt together. With that momentum, their performance in UConn’s upcoming game this Thursday at Notre Dame was an anticipation, where they’d face the Irish’s Big Three—Hannah Hidalgo, Olivia Miles, and Sonia Citron. But all that has taken a hit due to an unfortunate hurdle the Huskies faced this past Saturday.

During UConn’s dominant 85-52 win over Louisville in Brooklyn, New York, the game took an unexpected turn. In the third quarter, Fudd walked off the floor under her own power and headed to the locker room. While it was surprising, she stayed on the bench for the rest of the game, leaving fans and teammates hoping it wasn’t anything serious. This happened right after the 5’11” guard had delivered an impressive 18 points in just 18 minutes.

It was later confirmed that Fudd suffered a minor knee sprain during the game. Fudd has only returned after suffering a season-ending injury a year ago. The recurring instances have left Paige concerned and frustrated.

“Just as people who know her, who are like family, it’s tough to see her go through these things. Even this situation is unfortunate,” said All-American guard Paige Bueckers. “It’s frustrating because she was just getting back and looking great the past few games. But it’s a minor setback, and I know she’ll stay hungry, stay in the weight room, and do everything to get back as soon as possible.”

Azzi Fudd only made her much-anticipated return on November 20 against Fairleigh Dickinson, but as expected, there were some early jitters. In her first two games, she struggled to find her rhythm, scoring just seven points total on 2-of-11 shooting from the field. But over her last three outings, Fudd has been on a tear, averaging 14.3 points per game while shooting an impressive 63% overall in just 21.3 minutes per game. But the process once again begins from zero.

While the injury isn’t major, Fudd will miss the game against Notre Dame and will be evaluated on a day-to-day basis after this week. There’s still hope she could return in time for UConn’s highly anticipated top-10 clash against No. 5 USC on December 21. As Bueckers pointed out, injuries are always unfortunate.

Azzi Fudd and Paige Bueckers know the injury struggles all too well

Fudd’s history with injuries began in high school when she tore her right ACL and MCL. Since arriving at UConn, she’s missed over 11 games as a freshman due to a foot injury and more than 22 games as a sophomore following two separate knee injuries.

Her junior year was cut short after just two games due to an ACL and meniscus tear. With that perspective, Bueckers feels grateful that Fudd’s current setback is minor. UConn head coach Geno Auriemma shares that relief. “If you can imagine what the alternative could have been, her spirits are pretty good,” Auriemma said.

But he is fully aware of the challenge his team will face against Notre Dame. “I think their three guards are so, so good,” Auriemma said. “They’re aggressive offensively, they’re skilled, and they put so much pressure on you—pushing the ball up the floor, attacking the basket, and making shots. Those are the most difficult teams to play against.”

The Fighting Irish have faced two losses so far and have and jumped to No. 8 in the Associated Press poll. UConn may be positioned no. 2, but they have a task at hand with an inexperienced roster. Azzi Fudd’s return couldn’t come soon enough for the Huskies.