What Happened to UConn’s Azzi Fudd? Can Stephen Curry’s ‘Favorite’ Return to College Basketball?

The UConn Huskies are slowly finding their groove in the NCAA tournament. After winning 80% of their games so far, Connecticut is sitting pretty on the 6th spot. But unfortunately, their journey to becoming national champions has hit a major roadblock yet again.

UConn recently announced that their 21-year-old shooting guard, Azzi Fudd will miss out the entire 2023-24 season due to an ACL and medial meniscal tears in her right knee. Fudd’s injury is the latest in the long list of season-ending injuries that UConn has to deal with in recent years.

Azzi Fudd ruled out of action

This is the third time the talented No. 35 has been forced to sit out in her last three seasons. The 2019 Gatorade National Player of the Year could play only 25 games as a junior suffering from a foot injury. Following this, Azzi could represent UConn in just 15 games in her sophomore season as she injured her knee on two occasions. Prior to this, the former No. 1 recruit from the class of 2021 also tore her ACL and MCL back in 2019.

Now, in the opening month of the tournament, Fudd misses out again with this non-contact knee injury during practice. Head coach Geno Auriemma had earlier pointed out that Fudd went up for a shot and remarked afterward that something felt funny before leaving for the training room. The Morgan Wootten Player of the Year has been praised by the likes of Stephen Curry for her textbook jumper.

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Many experts and analysts have considered Azzi as the NCAA’s best prospect in generations. Following her latest injury, the UConn Huskies will have plenty to think on how to approach their season.

How can UConn deal with Azzi Fudd’s absence?

There are a handful of players who can step up and deliver in Fudd’s absence. Fifth-year senior Aubrey Griffin who is also making a comeback from injury is one of the potential picks. Moreover, Griffin and Fudd share the same on-court experience. She gave an example of her skills in UConn’s clash against Maryland. The No.44 ended her night with 9 points and 13 rebounds. Furthermore, freshman Qadence Samuels is also a worthy replacement for Fudd. Samuels has been the most efficient 3-point shooter for the Huskies this season. Also, the top-50 recruit has the required skills to cover the perimeter shooting.

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The UConn Huskies suffer a major blow with the ruling out their star shooter. Nonetheless, they still have enough firepower to make an impact in the remainder of the season. However, Azzi Fudd’s absence can still hurt them in the latter half of the tournament.