Paige Bueckers didn’t have to wait long to hear her name called in the 2025 WNBA Draft. She barely had time to settle into her seat before WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert announced that the Bueckers would be joining the Dallas Wings as the No. 1 pick. This was largely expected after Bueckers led UConn to its 12th national championship with dominant performances. But Bueckers going to Dallas as number one wasn’t the biggest talking point of the night. 

As soon as Bueckers’ WNBA destination was confirmed, she quickly rose from her table and shared her first embrace as a pro basketball player with former UConn teammate Azzi Fudd. Bueckers, already a household name thanks to her incredible talent and off-court presence, grabbed all the attention as fans eagerly watched for her outfit. The wide-leg pants, matching vest, and blazer screamed sophistication, while her wavy hair cascading down completed the sleek, polished vibe.

She had set some pretty high standards during last year’s draft. But this time, her outfit didn’t steal the spotlight alone—it was the undeniable chemistry she shared with her longtime best friend, Azzi Fudd, that had everyone talking. 

Azzi, ever the fashionista, stepped out in a gorgeous black vintage-inspired wrap dress. The deep V-neckline and sheer skirt gave her an ethereal, almost regal look. Then, as the cameras flashed, Paige and Azzi shared a moment that would soon be analyzed from every angle. The two were captured holding onto each other, posing side-by-side with all the warmth and affection you’d expect from best friends who’ve been through it all together. It was a moment that had one fan wondering, “I’m gonna leave this here… (Paige’s hand placement..)”

Paige Bueckers and Azzi Fudd have formed a close bond within the UConn program. In fact, it was Bueckers who played a key role in Fudd joining her at UConn.

In December 2019, Bueckers sent out a tweet with the hashtag #GetAzziToUConn, when it wasn’t clear that Fudd would join the Huskies. But once she did, their bond got only stronger. Whether it was Fudd cheering from the sidelines during Bueckers’ recovery or Bueckers standing up for Fudd against online critics, their loyalty to each other never wavered. But now, fans are questioning whether there is something more to their bond than friendship.

As they stole the limelight on the WNBA Draft night red carpet, sports columnist Jason Whitlock took to X to post, “Now I understand why WNBA players are rolling out the red carpet for Paige,” while sharing a photo of Bueckers and Fudd from the night. And so, the rumors began to swirl, and not for the first time.

Throwback to August 2024, where Bueckers and Fudd were spotted together at the US Open, catching the action during a match between Coco Gauff and Elina Svitolina. However, when you listen to Bueckers or Fudd, for that matter, they are not giving anything away.

In a February interview with GQ, Bueckers distanced herself from any speculation on her dating life. “I’m more just focused on basketball,” and said that, “It’s a crazy world out here” when it comes to dating.

It’s not the first time these two have made waves with their connection, but this moment felt different. Some fans took to social media, commenting on how “sparkling” their bond was, just like Paige’s outfit that night.

Paige Bueckers and Azzi: More Than Just a Duo, More Than Just a Moment

From the jump, Paige Bueckers and Azzi Fudd have been something special. Not just on the court, where their chemistry has always looked telepathic, but off it too. And at the 2025 WNBA Draft, fans’ radar for something more between the two went with a full blow into speculative mode — all sparked by a few seconds of hand placement, eye contact, and vibes that could be felt through the screen.

But, of course, this moment wasn’t just about the cameras or the gossip. If you look beyond what fans have been saying, nothing is confirmed. Neither of the two stars has said anything about their bond other than that they are friends. However, one fan chimed in with a wink and a nod over their Draft night picture: “Once again, I’m not saying anything, but… azz and Paige, we know what you are.” Attached? A GIF of a raised eyebrow and that familiar TikTok expression of “Oh, you thought we wouldn’t notice?” 

You see, Azzi Fudd and Paige Bueckers have been inseparable on and off the court for years. Together, they’ve been the heart and soul of UConn women’s basketball. Best friends, fierce competitors, and the kind of duo fans can’t help but root for. Through all the ups and downs—injuries, critics, and sky-high expectations—they’ve pushed each other to be better, and it’s been nothing short of magic.

Multiple ACL injuries. Long rehabs. Criticism. Expectations. They have carried the weight of everything. But through it all, the constant? Each other. This year, when they were finally healthy together? Magic. They led UConn to a national title, dominating with that unmistakable rhythm like they had hoop DNA in sync.

Then came another fan who delivered the soft-launch of all soft-launches: “Paige Bueckers and Azzi Fudd look real comfortable together at the WNBA draft……. I wonder if they’re……..NVM.” The “NVM” does all the talking. Well, Azzi Fudd, on numerous occasions, has called Bueckers her best friend. But looking at the comments, it seems like fans think that is just a code. Who knows? 

Their connection peaked when they led UConn to their first national title since 2016, dominating South Carolina 82–59 in the 2025 championship game. Fudd put on a show, scoring 24 points and earning the Final Four’s Most Outstanding Player award. Paige was right there beside her, grinning proudly, sharing in the joy of their victory. It was a perfect moment, a perfect ending to their college careers. 

Not everyone’s ready to jump to conclusions, though. A fan offered some logic, saying, “Funny how people be affirming stuff about Paige and Azzi… like y’all know it is literally as weird to affirm that they are NOT dating as it is to affirm that they are. Y’all don’t know them but you can’t be mad about people assuming they are especially after tonight.”

These comments are not new, though. During last year’s draft, X was filled with many variations of this year’s tweets. They come back to us now, it is almost like we were expecting our feed to blow up with their eye contacts again.

And maybe that’s the theme here. Whether we’re talking about style, relationships, or basketball legacies, Paige and Fudd have never really fit into anyone’s box. So it makes sense that fans are trying to read between the lines. Whether they’re best friends, soulmates, or something else entirely, we may not have the full picture yet, but watch this space.