CBB

NCAAB News: UConn’s Azzi Fudd gets controversial 2026 WNBA Draft ranking from ESPN

UConn star Azzi Fudd will have to meet some major expectations next season.

Azzi Fudd
© Jordan Bank - ImagoAzzi Fudd

Azzi Fudd is walking on clouds right now. She was instrumental in leading the UConn Huskies to their first national championship in quite a while, even posting the best numbers in the title game.

Now, with Paige Bueckers gone to the WNBA and the Dallas Wings, she and Sarah Strong will be in charge of leading Geno Auriemma’s program back to the mountaintop.

Notably, this will also be her final season in college. With that in mind, ESPN ranked her as the second-best prospect to enter the WNBA in 2026, which seemed a little off.

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Paige Bueckers gets No. 2 ranking from ESPN

“Fudd was the Final Four Most Outstanding Player after totaling 43 points on 55.2% shooting in UConn’s victories over UCLA and South Carolina to win the NCAA title in Tampa. Injuries are the only thing that have held back Fudd, but she’s coming off a healthy season, read the ranking.

Azzi Fudd #35 of the UConn Huskies looks on prior to the game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Purcell Pavilion at the Joyce Center on December 12, 2024 in South Bend, Indiana.

Azzi Fudd #35 of the UConn Huskies

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It makes sense that UCLA center Lauren Betts gets the nod as the top selection. Then again, as good as Fudd is, having her ahead of the likes of Ta’Niya Latson or Olivia Miles seems like a bit of a reach.

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Of course, she will have a full season as the main girl to prove the doubters wrong, and it will be interesting to see how she fares without her fellow superstar backcourt mate.

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